Looking for a new drink to try? Here are a few of our "traditional" South American favorites!

 

1. Pisco Sour

This "traditional" South American drink has a controversial origin story. Peru and Chile both claim this as their National Drink and also claim the spirit of Pisco as their own. This would be like Ohio and Tennessee fighting over American Whiskey! The popularized cocktail, Pisco Sour, first appeared on the scene at a bar in Lima in the 1920s from an American Bartender. While the origin might be contentious, there is no question that the main drink it's enjoyed in is absolutely delicious.

TRY THIS IF YOU LIKE:  Margaritas, Whiskey Sours

​

​

​

​

​

​

1 1/2 oz Pisco, 1 Egg white, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 3/4 oz Simple syrup

​

2. Caipirinha

Hailing from Brazil, this "traditional" drink is made with a sugar-based spirit similar to a rum called Cachaça. Caipirinha is the diminutive of the Brazilian word Caipira -meaning from the countryside or, as we call it in the midwest, Hillbilly! Interestingly, rich land owners created the drink for more formal events as the "high standard" for their parties.

​

For easy pronunciation of this drink:

CAP (like a ball cap) UH (like you're confused) RAIN (with a strong emphasis on the a) YAH (like boo-yah)

TRY THIS IF YOU LIKE:  Mojitos, vodka soda lime, gimlets

​

​

​

​

​

​

1 2/3 oz Cachaça, 2 Teaspoons brown sugar, Half a lime cut into 4 wedges

​

3. Fernet con Coca (Fernet and Coke)

An Argentinian staple, the Fernet and Coke. Fernet is a spirit from Italy that migrated with the Italians in the mid-1900s. In fact, Argentina is the only other place in the world, outside of Milan, where Fernet is produced. This drink isn't as old as the others, thought to have started in the 1970s, but it quickly rose to popularity. It's thought that the sweetness of Coke balances out the pungent anise flavor and smell in the fernet. And while it may be Argentinian, don't ask Alfio to share one with you, he's the lone wolf in his friend group back home that can't stand them!

 TRY THIS IF YOU LIKE:  Sambuca, Jägermeister

​

​

​

​

​

​

1.25 oz Fernet-Branca; Cola to top

​

4.  Clerico

Are you a Sangria fan? Well, you're in luck because on the beaches of Uruguay, they have their version of Sangria flowing regularly! Clerico is often made with Argentinian Torrontes, giving it a floral and zippy flavor when paired with the traditional pears, apples, and oranges. The name comes from the Río de la Plata region when it was controlled by the British colonialists who drank claret cups.

 TRY THIS IF YOU LIKE:  sangria! 

​

​

​

​

​

​

4 oz Torrontes, diced fruit,  splash of brandy, splash of soda

​

5.  Quilmes 

While there are tons of amazing beers from South America, we're partial to Alfio's favorite, Quilmes! A pilsner made in Argentina since the late 1800s, it's as nationally known as Budweiser is in the States. It's light and refreshing with a low abv at 4.9%, making it an easy drinker at any point of the meal.

 For easy pronunciation of this drink:

KILL (yes, like that) MISS (Like Ol' Miss) 

TRY THIS IF YOU LIKE:  light beers like pilsners

​

​

Pop the top and go! 

​

​

​

​

What are you going to try on your next visit to Alfio's in Hyde Park?

 

​

​