Best Pisco Cocktails In Los Angeles
Pisco is new to the Los Angeles bar scene, but it has been a stand out in the creative cocktails on restaurant, bar and lounge menus across the city. The liquor is made from grapes, and the final brandy can range in color from clear to deep yellow. Although Peruvians and Chileans will argue that their country is Pisco's homeland, folks here in Los Angeles will avoid the hullabaloo and instead continue to sip from cold cocktail glasses. Here are a few of the city's best Pisco mixes.
The Bazaar by José Andrés
465 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 246-5555
www.thebazaar.com
José Andrés' restaurant is known for its drinks as well as the food. Kirsten Moore is the house mixologist, recently named a Pisco Ambassador in the "Become a Shaman" La Diablada Pisco Bartender Invitational, and she created the Peruvian Sun. It is a blend of peach and honey-infused La Diablada Pisco, fresh honeydew juice lemon juice and anise syrup. If you are already going through summer withdrawal, this cocktail may be just the sipper for you.
The Spare Room
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 769-7296
spareroomhollywood.com
The Spare Room has another Ambassador for the "Become a Shaman" La Diablada Pisco Bartender Invitational, and that would be Edwin Cruz. It only makes sense that a drink named after him -- The Edwin-Win Situation -- features La Diablada Pisco, Tumbo fruit, Peruvian tea syrup, Mazano chiles, fresh citrus and bitters. Exotic, sweet, and spicy, this is a drink that will awaken the spirit.
Oldfields Liquor Room
10899 Venice Boulevard
West Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 842-8066
oldfieldsliquorroom.com
Oldfields is all about the old school, boasting a menu of modern cocktails with classic liquors. For all the Pisco lovers out there, try the Kappa Punch featuring Pisco, fresh lemon juice and housemade pineapple gomme syrup. It is a balanced blend of sweet and tart, perfect to sip at the bar during happy hour or later in the evening once the DJ starts to play.
Paiche
13488 Maxella Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 893-6100
paichela.com
Mixologist Deysi Alvarez works the bar at Chef Ricardo Zarate's Peruvian restaurant Paiche, and he is the mastermind behind the Last Ice Age. His cocktail includes Pisco Porton, Hakushu whiskey, fresh egg whites, fresh lime juice and lemon juice, evaporated simple syrup and drops of Fernet branca liqueur. Enjoy this cocktail and Peruvian-inspired plates for the full experience.
M Grill
3832 Wilshire Boulevard #202
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 389-2770
m-grill.com
The revamped Brazilian churrascaria has a renovated, fancy bar area with a few seats ready for you and your friends. They feature the very familiar Pisco cocktail that we all know -- the Pisco Sour. The key to a classic drink is fresh ingredients, and M Grill's version is all about the freshly frothed egg whites, hand-squeezed lime juice, a little sugar and bitters with Pisco.
The Roger Room
370 North La Cienega Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 854-1300
therogerroom.com
Damian Windsor is the man behind The Roger Room's Tough Love. Sit back and watch him shake up Pisco with fresh pineapple juice, lemon juice and egg whites, then top it off with cinnamon-spiced wine. This could quickly become your favorite fall drink.
Chrystal Baker is a freelance food, events, culture travel contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine, Frugivore Magazine and Politic365. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere, as well as the Farm 2 Plate Culinary Club site.
