Machu Picchu is the first tourist attraction of Cusco in Peru. In tribute to this Inca archaeological monument a cocktail was created: the ‘Machu Picchu’ whose colors (red, orange and mint) symbolize the flag of Tahuantinsuyo.

• Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru
• The cocktail ‘Machu Picchu’
• Origin
• Ingredients
• Preparation
• Alcohol-free version
• Interesting data
• Other famous cocktails of Peru

Cocktail Machu Picchu

The cocktail ‘Machu Picchu’ was created to pay tribute to the Inca City and Wonder of the World, the most visited tourist destination in Peru. Currently, Machu Picchu receives approximately 1.5 million visitors from all over the planet per year.

Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru

• Machu Picchu was built in 1450 by the Incas where the department of Cusco is located in Peru.
• After the European invasion, Machu Picchu was gradually abandoned until it was covered by the dense vegetation of the place.
• In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made known to the world the existence of Machu Picchu.
• Visitors were increasing until in 2007, Machu Picchu was declared as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
• Since then, visitors have increased exponentially. Today, the Inca City receives approximately 1.5 million tourists a year.

The cocktail ‘Machu Picchu’

• In homage to Machu Picchu, a cocktail with the same name was created. The main ingredient is pisco, the brandy symbol of Peru.
• This cocktail also uses orange juice, grenadine syrup and spearmint.
• The flavor of the cocktail ‘Machu Picchu’ stands out for its intense sweet flavor.
• The fame of this drink lies in its name and the intense colors of its presentation: orange, red and green.
• The colors of this cocktail symbolize the flag of the Empire of the Incas (Tahuantinsuyo).

Origin

• The origin of this cocktail is not known exactly. However, it is believed that it was a creation of the Cuzco barman Bernardo Solis Loaiza who in 1984 created this drink while working at the Hotel Libertador del Cuzco.
• In tribute to Machu Picchu and Cusco, this drink was created that over time became one of the most symbolic drinks in Peru.

Ingredients

• Pisco (1.5 OZ).
• Mint (1 OZ)
• Grenadine (1 OZ).
• Orange juice (1 OZ).
• Ice cubes.

Preparation

• Step 1 : We pour the ice cubes along a whole long glass or pear cup.
• Step 2 : Add the grenadine (1 OZ) to the glass with ice.
• Step 3 : We add slowly (you can also tilt the glass a little) the orange juice (1 OZ). to form two layers of different colors in the cup.
• Step 4 : In a different bowl mix the mint (1 OZ). with pisco (1.5 OZ).
• Step 5 : Finally we pour the mixed mint with pisco to the long glass, in such a way that 3 layers of different colors are formed.
• Optional : We can decorate the cocktail presentation in the way we want. Most bartenders use orange peel.

Alcohol-free version

• The ‘Machu Picchu’ can also be prepared without alcohol.
• This version is ideal for children because the sweet taste of the cocktail often captivates the palate of the little ones.

Interesting data

• The Incas did not have a flag. However, in 1978 the official flag of Cusco was adapted as the flag of the Inca Empire. This pavilion is formed by horizontal lines of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, blue and purple.
• The cocktail ‘Machu Picchu’ uses the colors red, orange and green. This simulates the flag of Cusco (also known as the tray of the Inca Empire).

Other famous cocktails of Peru

• Pisco Sour – It is the most emblematic cocktail in Peru. It is made based on pisco and lemon (Peruvian). It also adds rubber syrup, egg white, angostura bitters and ice cubes. Its origin dates back around 1920 when it was prepared at the Morris bar in Lima.
• Chilcano – This refreshing cocktail is one of the most popular in Peru. It is prepared using pisco as the main ingredient. Its preparation also includes lemon juice and white soda (Ginger Ale). Due to its easy preparation it is one of the favorite cocktails in Peru.
• Algarrobina Cocktail – This cocktail is made on the basis of Pisco and algarrobina, a substance produced by the carob tree, characteristic of northern Peru. Its preparation also includes evaporated milk, egg yolk and rubber syrup. It is believed that it has its origins in the Spanish viceroyalty, only then it was prepared by replacing wine instead of pisco.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 17, 2019