Patrice Hewski, Certified Sommelier, Beverage Manager, Commonwealth National Golf Club & Manor House
Pisco is a unique and versatile brandy that hails from South America, particularly Peru and Chile. Distilled from grapes, pisco carries a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits. When combined in a sour build, this delightful spirit shines with fruity, light and refreshing notes that make it a perfect choice for warmer weather.
The inspiration to incorporate pisco into our offerings stemmed from my presentation at the recent Chef to Chef Conference, where I was captivated by the Trinidad Especial cocktail. This prompted me to delve deeper into the world of pisco and experiment with different cocktail creations. I wanted to introduce the spirit to our membership in a straightforward and appealing manner, which led me to explore a classic sour build approach.
Drawing inspiration from the simplicity of a sidecar, I crafted a new cocktail that has been well-received by those that have sampled the cocktail prior to its debut on our spring cocktail menu. Some have even likened the drink to a margarita, highlighting its universal appeal and popularity. The combination of pisco and apricot liqueur in this cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors, creating a layered complexity that is surprisingly approachable for all palates.
I am thrilled to present something new and exciting to our members who may not be familiar with pisco. It’s an opportunity to introduce a fresh and innovative spirit to a community that often gravitates towards the core classic cocktails. I am excited to see how this addition will be received and hopeful that it will spark interest and curiosity among our members to delve into spirits that aren’t so mainstream. Who knows, maybe we’ll even witness a surge in Pisco sales in PA as a result of this introduction!
