Raise a Glass: 4 Top Substitutes for Pisco in Pisco Sour

Oh snap, out of Pisco for your Pisco Sour?

That’s like forgetting the cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich — a culinary oopsie of epic proportions.

But before you toss that cocktail shaker back on the shelf and mope about your mixer misfortune, we’ve got something that might just save your spirits (pun absolutely intended).

Who says a Pisco Sour must always star Pisco? Not us!

Time to get your mixologist hat on because we’re about to shake things up with four fab swaps for your beloved Pisco.

Ready to turn that cocktail frown upside down? Great!

Let’s pour on the fun and figure out how to keep those sour sips coming without the classic kick of Pisco.

What Can I Substitute for Pisco in a Pisco Sour Drink? 4 BEST Substitutes

If you’re looking for a substitute for Pisco in a Pisco Sour drink, you have plenty of options.

From white rum to whiskey and other base spirits, here are four of the best substitutes for Pisco in your next cocktail:

1 – Grappa

Grappa is a strong Italian spirit made by distilling grape pomace.

For centuries, it has been an integral part of the Italian culture, usually enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif.

The taste of Grappa is smooth and delicate, with hints of citrus, floral, and spices on the finish.

Those looking to substitute Pisco in its renowned cocktail, the Pisco Sour Drink, would be wise to try Grappa first; its bittersweet flavor adds complexity to the drink.

With just white sugar syrup, lime juice, egg whites, and Angostura bitters accompanying it in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, the Grappas transforms from a simple after-dinner beverage into a sophisticated libation sure to please everyone at the party.

2 – White Tequila

White Tequila is a spirit that has surged in popularity over the past few years.

One sip reveals why.

It sips smoothly but with a complexity of flavors not found in other spirits: subtle notes of citrus and baking spices typical of an agave-forward spirit.

It’s not surprising then that this Tequila has become a popular substitute for Pisco in the beloved Pisco Sour drink.

To make this customizable twist on the classic, start with a white tequila base, substituting lime juice for lemon juice and topping it off with egg whites just as you would with a traditional Pisco Sour; the result will be delicious and totally your own.

3 – Single Malt Scotch

Single Malt Scotch is a whiskey produced from non-malted barley, which results in a smoother and less smoky flavor profile than traditional whiskies.

Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Macallan are some of the commonly known single malt scotches, and they offer notes of honey, peat, fruits, smoke, and dried oak.

For an interesting twist on the classic Pisco Sour drink, swap out the Pisco for one of these single malt scotches.

The subtle yet complex taste will bring a unique depth to the signature citrus flavors of this refreshing cocktail.

4 – Cachaça

Cachaça is a white Brazilian liquor made from sugar cane juice.

It has an intense and complex taste, combining notes of grass, vanilla, and fruit in its subtle sweetness.

Most popular in the nation of origin, cachaça is used to make many drinks like caipirinha and batidas.

For non-Brazilians looking for a nice twist on classic drinks like Pisco sour, cachaça can be used as a substitute.

All you have to do is first use lime instead of lemon juice, omit the bitters and use one serving each of syrup, egg whites, lime juice, and cachaça while shaking vigorously before sipping it.

Cachaça’s uniqueness makes it a great addition to the classic Pisco sour.