Pastuso‘s Peruvian Pisco cocktail is sure to please. The laneway restaurant is launching a new masterclass showcasing the grape-based spirit, pisco. The Plus Ones were treated to a preview of the event co-hosted by bar manager Miguel Bellido and executive chef Alejandro Saravia. The duo were a combination of personable and knowledgeable — and justifiably proud of Peruvian products.
Miguel knew the best way to break the ice was with a pisco sample. The spirit is grape-based, but that’s where any similarities to wine ends. It starts off as grape juice and is then distilled into a spirit with an ABV (alcohol by volume) around 38-42%. The spirit can be enjoyed neat. However, when attending a pisco masterclass a few cocktails are in order, too.
Alejandro has earned a reputation as the man responsible for introducing Peruvian cuisine to Australia and Pastuso is the first pisco bar in the country. When the restaurant opened three years ago it was a challenge to introduce the new spirit. Since that time, Australians have clearly embraced the drink, with the bar serving up 70,000 pisco sours to date.
The cocktail is a classic for a reason. It’s simultaneously sweet, sour, and refreshing. The flavours were also an excellent match to the smoky alpaca croquette served alongside the drink.
The next cocktail was described as rivalling a Negroni and compared to a martini. It’s named the El Capitán because it was originally served to Peruvian army captains. The drink is simple, with sweet vermouth and a little bit of bitters. But as our hosts explained, simple things are sometimes the best things.
Miguel’s Classic Pisco Sour:
45mls Pisco
45mls lime juice (fresh squeezed!)
45mls sugar syrup
15mls egg white
Place all ingredients except bitters, in the blender. Blend for 20 seconds. Pour mixture over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold. Strain into glass. Garnish with 1-3 drops of bitters.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Patuso’s Pisco Masterclass will feature tastings, cocktails, and bites, depending on the booking. Enquire now to set up your own event.
