9 Typical Peruvian Drinks

9 Typical Peruvian Drinks

As you probably know, Peru is famous for its delicious cuisine. However, the country of the ancient Incas also has an impressive variety of special drinks. They reflect local customs, history and exceptional ingredients. By tasting the typical Peruvian drinks you will not only have a lot of fun, but you will learn to understand the country and its people better.

One of the most famous Peruvian drinks is the Pisco Sour, a must on any Peru trip. Especially when you’re in one of Lima’s delicious restaurants you have to try a typical Pisco Sour before enjoying the food.

Apart from that, there’s a lot more to discover! That’s why in this post, I’d like to introduce you to the most popular alcoholic & non-alcoholic Peruvian drinks that you definitely have to try during your time in Peru.

If you prefer watching a short video about the topic, here we go:

What Are the Most Typical Peruvian Drinks?

Peruvian gastronomy is known for a lot of incredible flavours. Here is a list of the most popular beverages:

  • Pisco Sour
  • Chilcano
  • Beer (Cusqueña, Pilsen Callao, Cristal)
  • Chicha de Jora
  • Inca Kola
  • Chicha Morada
  • Mate de Coca
  • Peruvian Juices
  • Emoliente

Below I will present you the most typical Peruvian drinks in detail and I will give you some insiders about each one. Let’s begin!

 

1. Pisco Sour

Two pisco sours

The most famous Peruvian drink, the Pisco Sour, is a cocktail invented by an American in Lima. It was then taken over by the Peruvians and has since been enjoyed throughout the world. The Pisco culture has evolved a lot since then and gained worldwide popularity.

The Pisco Sour consists of a grape brandy, egg white, lime juice and a little sugar. It is a very refreshing alcoholic drink that is perfect after one of your Peru tours to reflect on your incredible day.

 

2. Chilcano

famous peruvian drink chilcano

The original version of Chilcano is made out of pisco, ginger ale and lime juice, but the cocktail is prepared differently in many bars & restaurants, e.g. with exotic fruits, such as passion fruit, strawberry, mango or similar variants.

Although the Chilcano may not be as famous as the Pisco Sour, it is a refreshing alternative that is not quite as strong!

 

3. Beer

Cusquena beer

Peruvians drink even more beer than Pisco Sour. There are three major brands of beer in Peru: Cristal, Cusqueña and Pilsen Callao. If you prefer a light beer then the Cusqueña Premium is the right choice.

If you want to taste something different, try one of the other Cusqueña beers, such as the dark black beer. Cristal is the most popular lager among many Peruvians and can be compared to the Mexican Corona.

Last but not least, the Pilsen Callao, which was first brewed in 1863, is the oldest beer in Peru.

 

4. Chicha de Jora

Chicha de jora

Let’s continue with a traditional drink from the Andes, which the Incas used to drink back then – Chicha de Jora. It is a beer produced out of Jora Korn, which is a type of yellow Andean wheat.

You will especially find the beer in small villages of the Sacred Valley. The unique thing about the beer is the thick foam. During our customized Peru tours you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and gastronomy.

A little insider for you: The tradition is that you dump some beer on the ground and say “Pachamama, Santa Tierra” as a kind of offering for the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth in Quechua).

Chicha de Jora is a very interesting drink, which initially brings a slightly sweet taste and at the end a slightly bitter one.

 

5. Inca Kola

most popular non alcoholic peruvian drink inca kola

Inca Kola is one of the most popular non-alcoholic Peruvian drinks, so definitely try it during your time in Peru. The Inca Kola has its origins in 1910, when an English couple called Jose & Martha Lindley opened a small shop in Lima to sell carbonated drinks.

It is similar in taste to the American Mountain Dew, but the famous Inca Kola is not so sweet. Many people say that Inca Kola tastes like chewing gum. What do you guys think?

 

6. Chicha Morada

Chicha morada

Number 6 on the list of typical Peruvian drinks is Chicha Morada is a very famous beverage made of purple corn. The purple corn has its origin from Peru and this was already consumed by the Incas.

In addition, Chicha Morada has numerous health benefits such as Lowering blood pressure or reducing heart disease. This non-alcoholic beverage is made out of cooked purple corn with pineapple, cinnamon, sugar and clove.

You must try Chicha Morada during your time in Peru, because the taste is unique and you most likely won’t find it anywhere else.

 

7. Mate de Coca

Coca leaves in cup with water

Mate de Coca is well known especially in the Andean regions and is a tea made out of coca leaves.

This drink is very popular and is mainly drunk to avoid the altitude sickness or to reduce the effects.

But a small recommendation from me: If you should be tested in the profession for drugs, then you should avoid the Mate de Coca tea best to play it safe. The taste of coca tea can be compared very well with that of green tea.

 

8. Peruvian fruit juices

four fruit juices in glasses with fruits on table

When you are in Peru, you cannot miss the Peruvian fruit juices. Peru is a true fruit paradise and one of the best ways to enjoy it is with fresh juices.

You can find the delicious juices everywhere, whether in restaurants, cafes or on markets. The selection of fruits is endless and goes from normal fruits, such as bananas, papayas, passion fruit and pineapple to the most famous Peruvian fruits, such as lucuma, aguaje, aguaymanto, camu camu, chirimoya, granadilla and much more.

The “Jugo Especial” is extremely delicious, a mix of different fruits, an egg and cusqueña beer (optional). This viscous juice is like a meal and you are welcome to share it with your partner!

 

9. Emoliente

peruvian drink emoliente in paper cup

Emoliente is another unique Peruvian beverage. This drink is part of typical Peruvian street food, especially in winter time as it’s warm.

It is said that Emoliente has healing powers as the basis of Emoliente consists of a mix of herbs, e.g. from barley, dried horsetail, linseeds, alfalfa sprouts and plantain leaves.

The taste of the drink is a little peculiar – imagine you drink something hot, fruity…just a very unique combination. If you do not feel so good during your trip, then you should definitely try Emoliente.

 

Ready for Some Delicious Typical Peruvian Drinks?

These were the most popular Peruvian drinks that you absolutely must try when in Peru. However, these drinks are only half as tasty if not combined with the right food. Therefore, we recommend reading our post about the best food in Peru so you know what to expect when you’re here.

Have you already tried one of the most popular Peruvian drinks or did we forget your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

6 Comments
  • 3 December, 2023 at 4:55 pm

    Una de las mejores cocinas del mundo no puede dejar de tener una lista tan interesante culturalmente de bebidas. GRACIAS PERU. Uno de los mejores destinos para el turismo mundial desde lejos y por siempre…

  • 10 December, 2021 at 10:20 am

    Hola a mi me gusta la chicha de jora a base de maíz y además la de siete semillas excelente bebida

    • 25 December, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      Hola Luis! La chicha de jora es otra excelente bebida, tienes toda la razón! Saludos y feliz navidad 🙂

  • 29 August, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    Muy buena información, muchas gracias por compartirla. Mi trago favorito es el Pisco Sour, SAludos desde Surco

    • 6 September, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      Hola Sandro, qué tal? Gracias por tu comentario. Nos alegra que te guste la info 🙂 Por cierto, nos encanta el Pisco Sour también! Saludos, tu equipo Exploor

  • 4 August, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Excelente sin duda alguna el Perú es buen lugar para visitar y degustar de su basta gastronomía, cultura, tradiciones, música y folklore…

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