Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest tips, tricks, recipes and more, sent twice a week.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
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.
Photo by Katerina Beduh/Shutterstock.
by Alexis deBoschnek | Whether you’re gearing up for game day or prepping for one of the many award shows this winter, these...
by Miki Kawasaki | There's absolutely nothing wrong with a bowl of basic guacamole, but when you want to spice it up...
by Rachel Johnson | Whether the kids are still distance learning or returning to a classroom, with school back in session...