La Semana del Chilcano

In celebration of Lima's anniversary this Sunday a group of Pisqueros (chefs, gastronomes, pisco lovers, and  companies that produce the National drink of Peru, Pisco) have put together what their calling "La Semana del Chilcano" (the Week of the Chilcano) that will run from Monday of this week til the 17th.  The celebration is an collaborated effort to promote the consumption of Pisco and to raise awareness about the drink Chilcano de Pisco.  

The cocktail Chilcano de Pisco is a popular one among Peruvians much like Pisco Sour, although considered much simpler to prepare.  While the variations to the Chilcano may vary among bartenders everywhere in Peru the core ingredients remain true.

"What is in a Chilcano de Pisco?"

The Chilcano is an alcoholic beverage that uses Pisco (which kind depends upon personal preference, Quebranta being the most commonly used).  The ingredients required to make a Chilcano are simple and can be easily obtained both in Peru as well as in the US.  The ingredients used consist of the following:

• Pisco Peruano (Which is the REAL PISCO, not that imitation Chilean Pisco)
• Ginger Ale
• Fresh Peruvian Limón Juice (For the US substitute with Key Limes)
• Ice

In celebration of La Semana del Chilcano, many bars, restaurants, discotecas, hotels, and taverns in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and many other cities will be celebrating the event.

"Chilcano de Pisco Receta / Chilcano de Pisco Receipe"

For those interested here is the recipe for making Chilcanos de Pisco:

Ingredients for a Chilcano de Pisco

• Peruvian Pisco Brandy
• Lemon Juice
• Ginger Ale

Quantities for one drink:

• 2 oz Peruvian Pisco Brandy
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• 4 - 6 oz Ginger Ale

Blending Instructions:

• Pour the Peruvian Pisco into a highball glass filled with ice cubes
• Add a spoonful of lemon juice, then fill with ginger ale
• Serve

Ocucaje, a Peruvian Pisco manufacturer located in Arequipa has a page that offers other great drink recipes using Pisco.  Check it out here!

"Where can I find a good Chilcano de Pisco in Lima?"

One restaurant/bar that I would highly recommend for Chilcanos would be that of "El Bolivariano", located in Pueblo Libre, Lima.  They sell a great Chilcano that you the patron can prepare to your personal taste as they bring a bottle of pisco accompanied by ginger ale and ice.  The environment there is great and their food is excellent.  On Friday and Saturday nights El Bolivariano offers music in their large dinning hall where the customers can enjoy a great drink followed by a night of great dancing.

Here is a video illustrating the Chilcano that they sell at El Bolivariano:



I should also mention the famous and very old bar and cafe "El Cordon" located in the center of Lima in the historical district, near the Plaza de Armas.  There they are well known for their sandwiches and of course Chilcano de Pisco.


El Comercio (Peru's National and Oldest Newspaper) has posted a list of places offering discounts along with a detailed description of the discounts.  The list is provided below:

Heladería Quattro D
Chilcano de Pisco flavored ice cream / Helado de chilcano de pisco.
Bravo Restobar
Second Chilcano half price / Segundo chilcano a mitad de precio.
Caplina
The first Chilcano for only S/. 3, the second one at S/. 6 / El primer chilcano a 3 soles; el segundo a 6 soles.
Chepita Royal
The second Chilcano is FREE!!! / El segundo chilcano es gratis.
El Cheff y el Mar
2 x 1 deal on Chilcano de Pisco / 2×1 en chilcano de pisco.
El Escondite del Gordo
For every tiradito, client recieves a courtesy Chilcano.  Additional Chilcanos at 25% discount / Por cada tiradito, un chilcano de cortesía. Chilcano adicional con 25% de descuento.
El Pez Amigo
50% discount on Chilcanos / 50% descuento en chilcano.
La Vaca Loca
50% discount on Chilcanos / 50% descuento en chilcano.
Hanzo
2 x 1 on Chilcanos / 2×1 en chilcanos.
Brujas de Cachiche
2 Chilcanos for S/. 22 / Dos chilcanos por 22 soles. Además, tabla de cebiches para dos o tiradito Brujas de Cachiche para dos, con dos chilcano, por 65 soles.
Ristorante Fratello
2×1 en chilcanos de pisco Italia, Quebranta y Acholado, con piqueo de brochetas.
Trattoria dei Pratti
With purchase of Chilcano, receive a complementary antipasto / Por un chilcano, de cortesía va el antipasto.
Xcess
Chilcano de Pisco for S/. 10 and on the 13th, free Chilcanos for the ladies (until 12pm) / Chilcano de pisco a 10 soles. Y el miércoles 13, gratis para las chicas (hasta las 12 p.m.)
Cepas Restobar
Receive a Chilcano with the purchase of an appetizer / El chilcano viene con piqueo.
Pisco Bar
2×1 en chilcano de pisco.
Capitán Meléndez
2 Chilcanos for S/. 22 / Dos chilcanos por 20 soles.
Depeche Order
Second one at half price / El segundo es a mitad de precio.
La Pisquería de Don Luis
Con cada chilcano, gratis un piqueo de aceitunas o quesos.
Bar Inglés (Hotel Country Club)
Dos chilcanos por 26 soles.
Swissôtel
2×1 (Dos chilcanos y un piqueo criollo a 50 soles).
Bohemia
Dos chilcanos y piqueo de cortesía por 25 soles.
Hotel Los Delfines
Seis variedades de chilcanos con piqueo de cortesía.

*first photo taken from Living in Peru website
**Second photo taken from Ocucaje.com website

Here is a list taken from Living In Peru's article of the places that will be offering discounts for the drink this week:

Lima	Asia	Cusco	Ica
Astrid y Gastón Bravo Restobar Cala Pescados Capitales Punta Sal Picas Antigua Taberna Queirolo Tanta Hanzo Fiesta Brujas de Cachiche Scena Fusión Bar Inglés del Country Club Huaringas Casandina Swissotel Caplina Costanera 700 Ristorante Fratello Trattoria dei Pratti Pisco Bar Capitán Meléndez Junius Depeche Order Quattro D El Grifo Mayta Alfresco Chepita Royal El Chef y el Mar El Pez On Lomo de Mar El Bolivariano Chala El Rincón Que No Conoces Rinconcito Arequipeño Barajas Restaurant & Lounge 550 Xcess Santos Bar Cepas Restobar El Dragón El Escondite del Gordo El Pez Amigo La Vaca Loca Aca No Más Bar La Pisquería de Don Luis	Acquavit Hotel & Casino Bubba Lounge Play Club Punta Sal Depeche Order	La Chicha Cosa Nostra Bar Cusco Inka Grill Limo Inkanto Pacha Papa Zu Lounge Bistro 470 Hotel Monasterio Andean Wings Hotel El Pisquerito	El Carmelo, Hotel y Bodega