What typical drinks should I try in Peru besides pisco sour?

What typical drinks should I try in Peru besides the Pisco Sour?
The Pisco Sour is undoubtedly Peru’s national symbol, but the country has many traditional drinks that showcase its cultural, geographical, and climatic diversity. From natural soft drinks made with tropical fruits to ancient teas from the Andes, every sip tells a story. If you’re wondering what typical drinks to try in Peru besides the Pisco Sour, here’s a complete guide to enjoying the most authentic flavors of this Andean country.

Chicha Morada

This non-alcoholic beverage is made with purple corn, pineapple, apple, cloves, and cinnamon. Its bright color and sweet flavor make it very popular with children and adults alike. It’s perfect with Peruvian meals or to cool off on hot days.

Cusqueña Beer

Considered one of Peru’s finest beers, it’s made with malted barley and pure Andean water. There are different types—golden, black, red, and wheat—each with unique flavors and aromas. Ideal for enjoying with meats, ceviche, or traditional dishes.

Chicha de Jora

This is an ancient Andean drink made by fermenting jora corn (germinated corn). The Incas already drank it in ceremonies and celebrations. Today, you can try it in rural communities or at traditional festivals in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the north of the country.

Peruvian Coffee

Peru is famous worldwide for its high-quality coffee, grown in places like Chanchamayo, Villa Rica, and Cajamarca. Its balanced flavor and strong aroma place it among the best in the world. Each cup reflects the efforts of small producers who combine tradition and environmental stewardship.

Coca Mate

This is an Andean infusion made from coca leaves, which has long been used for its energizing and healing properties. It’s excellent for relieving altitude sickness, which is common in places like Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and its flavor is smooth and herbal.

Emollient

This is a traditional hot beverage from the Andes and the coast, made with barley, flaxseed, boldo, lemon verbena, and other medicinal plants. It is usually drunk at dawn or dusk and is known to aid digestion and detoxify the body. Street vendors skillfully prepare it on their carts.

Inca Kola

It’s Peru’s most famous soft drink and a national symbol. It has a golden color and a sweet flavor that many say represents “the flavor of Peru.” It’s common to enjoy an ice-cold Inca Kola with traditional dishes, especially ceviche or grilled chicken.

Pisco Chilcano

This is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed in place of a Pisco Sour. It’s made with pisco, ginger ale, lemon, and a dash of Angostura bitters. It’s light, bubbly, and served over ice, perfect for hot days or with fish and seafood.

Masato

This drink is typical of the Amazon region of Peru. It’s made with fermented cassava and sometimes plantain. It’s thick and nutritious, with indigenous roots, and is shared in Amazonian communities as a symbol of hospitality.

Lemonade with Lemon Verbena or Passion Fruit

The coasts and jungles of Peru are home to many tropical fruits, so a natural lemonade made with passion fruit, lemon verbena, or camu camu is always a good choice. It’s refreshing, tangy, and energizing, ideal for the warm climate.

A liquid experience that reflects Peru’s diversity

Tasting Peruvian drinks is like immersing yourself in the country’s history. Each region—coast, mountains, and jungle—has unique flavors that blend tradition, nature, and creativity. So, in addition to the famous Pisco Sour, I encourage you to discover these wonderful drinks that make Peru a special place for gastronomy.