Pisco Punch

Name: Pisco Punch
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 12 drinks
Ingredients: 1 (750-milliliter) bottle pisco; 10 ounces pineapple gum syrup; 9 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 7 medium lemons); Ice, for serving; 12 small fresh pineapple wedges, for garnish

Punch San Francisco Bay Area New Year's Eve Christmas Dinner Party Bachelorette Party Fruit Cocktails Drink Holidays Summer Cocktail Party Easy

Save (49)

Rate

12 drinks Easy

Total: 10 mins, plus 3 hrs chilling time Active: 10 mins

1 Rating

Ingredients (5)

1 (750-milliliter) bottle pisco
10 ounces pineapple gum syrup
9 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 7 medium lemons)
Ice, for serving
12 small fresh pineapple wedges, for garnish

Try Amazon Fresh

Nutritional Information

Calories88
Fat0.07g
Saturated fat0.01g
Trans fat
Carbs17.31g
Fiber0.06g
Sugar14.82g
Protein0.08g
Cholesterol
Sodium3.14mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (12 servings) Powered by

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

Knocking back a glass of Pisco Punch is a boozy part of San Francisco’s history. This potent cocktail traces back to the 1890s, when a bartender named Duncan Nicol invented it in SF. This recipe, adapted from San Francisco bartender and Small Hand Foods proprietor Jennifer Colliau, is an easy three-ingredient drink to mix: Simply shake pisco, lemon juice, and pineapple gum syrup together and serve with a pineapple wedge if you’re feeling fancy. The pineapple gum syrup, made by steeping fruit in a sugar-water syrup thickened with gum arabic, softens the boozy pisco kick for a smoother drinking experience, plus gives the cocktail a little extra body.

What to buy: You can purchase pineapple gum syrup at well-stocked liquor stores or online. Colliau’s Small Hand Foods brand is excellent.

Pisco is a brandy distilled from South American white Muscat grapes. It can be found at well-stocked liquor stores or online.

This recipe was featured as part of our Drinks from San Francisco’s Sleazy Past.

Adapted from Jennifer Colliau

Tips for Christmas

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

1 of 3

Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

2 of 3

Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

3 of 3

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Instructions

1Combine the pisco, pineapple gum syrup, and lemon juice in a 2-quart container. Refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours.
2Before serving, stir to recombine the mixture. Serve over ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Photo by Katerina Beduh/Shutterstock.

Load Comments