subject: What To Order In Peru [print this page] When traveling to a new place, sampling the local beverages would be necessary to get the full experience of being in the area. If Peru becomes one of the destinations in your itinerary, then the following are the basics in ordering drinks in Peru.
What to Drink. The best wines in Peru come from the Pisco-Nasca region and the vintage wines of the area are amongst the best in the world. The local beer of Peru has a higher alcoholic content compared to American brands but are lighter compared to its European counterparts. Drinking at Happy Hour in Peru means drinks are half priced, making one more inebriated than the usual hours. The following are specific drinks to order in Peru:
1.The Caliente. This is a hot alcoholic drink similar to a hot toddy. This basically tea with white rum added for the alcoholic kick.
2.The Chicha de Jora. This alcoholic drink is made from fermented corn. This is a rather cheap beverage and has quite a high alcoholic content because it is not a distilled drink and often is sold from doorsteps. This cannot be found in formal restaurants and in the urban areas of Peru.
3.The Chicha Morada. This is a refreshing soft drink made from boiled purple corn with sugar and spices. This is widely available and many restaurants would have this in their menu. There are options for bottled or canned chicha, but does not taste as good as the freshly prepared concoction. Do be careful though with the water as it may not be as clean as you would want it to be.
4.The Mate de Coca. This a tea drink made from the leaves of the coca plant. One may think as this is a coca product, it is illegal but just the contrary is true. It can be served hot or cold and is great for adjusting to the altitude of this area.
5.The Peruvian Coffee. This country is the largest producer of organic coffee. It is best to order "cafe pasado" and this is prepared by pouring boiling hot water over fresh ground coffee.
6.The Emoliente. This is a hot beverage similar to thick and viscous tea. The refreshing aspect of the drink would depend on the herbs and fruit extracts added to the drink. This is often served as a hangover cure and is sold in many street corners by vendors.
7.The Inca Cola. This is Peru's answer to Coca Cola. Unlike the American brand, this drink is bright yellow and has its own unique flavor close to the hearts of many Peruvians.
8.The Pisco Sour. This alcoholic drink has peculiar ingredients, such as egg whites. This is the main drink of the country and is made with a Peruvian brandy called Pisco.
