We love diving into unique cocktails like the Calafate Sour, a zesty favorite from Patagonia’s wild berry fields. Originating in Chile, this twist on the classic sour showcases the tart calafate berry, blending sweet and tangy notes that transport your taste buds to South America’s rugged landscapes.
In our kitchen, we’ve perfected this recipe to make it simple yet irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding solo, it’s the perfect way to add adventure to your evening.
Ingredients
In our Calafate Sour recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the tart essence of the calafate berry while balancing it with classic cocktail elements. Below, we’ve listed the ingredients in the order they are typically used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure you create an authentic, vibrant Calafate Sour at home.
- 2 ounces pisco: Use a high-quality Chilean pisco as the base spirit for its smooth, grape-derived flavor that complements the calafate berry.
- 1 ounce fresh calafate berry syrup: Prepare by simmering 1 cup of fresh or frozen calafate berries with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water for 10 minutes, then strain—ensures a tangy, berry-forward sweetness.
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice: Squeeze from 1-2 lemons just before use to maintain its bright acidity and enhance the cocktail’s sour profile.
- ½ ounce simple syrup: Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water; add if you need extra sweetness to balance the tartness of the calafate.
- 1 egg white: From a large egg; this creates a silky foam, giving your Calafate Sour its signature frothy top—ensure it’s at room temperature for better emulsification.
- Ice cubes: About 1 cup for shaking; use fresh cubes to chill the mixture without diluting it too quickly.
- Garnish: 3-5 fresh calafate berries or a lemon twist: Wash and chill beforehand for a visually appealing finish that evokes Patagonia’s rugged landscapes.
Equipment Needed
To craft our refreshing Calafate Sour cocktail with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure a perfectly balanced blend of flavors from the tart calafate berry and other key ingredients. In our experience, having the right equipment elevates the preparation process, making it simple yet professional for home bartenders.
Here’s a detailed list of the equipment we recommend:
- Cocktail Shaker: This is crucial for vigorously shaking the pisco, calafate berry syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white together to create that signature frothy texture in our Calafate Sour.
- Jigger or Measuring Tools: For accurate measurements, we use a jigger to portion out 2 ounces of pisco, 1 ounce of calafate berry syrup, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, and ½ ounce of simple syrup—ensuring consistency in every batch.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: We always include this to strain the shaken mixture into the glass, removing any berry seeds or pulp for a smooth, silky finish in our Patagonian-inspired cocktail.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Fresh lemon juice is a highlight, so we suggest using this tool to extract juice efficiently and minimize waste, enhancing the tangy notes that complement the calafate berry.
- Coupe or Rocks Glass: Serving in a stylish coupe glass not only adds visual appeal but also keeps the cocktail chilled longer, making it ideal for showcasing our Calafate Sour at gatherings.
- Bar Spoon: Though shaking is primary, we find this useful for any gentle stirring if needed, or for adding ice cubes without splashing.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we streamline the transition from measuring ingredients to mixing our Calafate Sour, resulting in a professional-quality drink every time.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential tools in hand, we guide you through crafting the perfect Calafate Sour step by step to ensure a balanced blend of tart calafate flavors and smooth texture.
Prep
First, we prepare our components for optimal freshness and flavor. Gather the 2 ounces of high-quality Chilean pisco, 1 ounce of fresh calafate berry syrup, ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Using a citrus juicer, squeeze the lemon to yield exactly ¾ ounce of juice, ensuring it’s vibrant and tart to complement the calafate’s natural tang. If your calafate syrup isn’t pre-made, simmer fresh calafate berries with sugar and water to create a glossy, deep-purple syrup that evokes the wild Patagonian landscapes—aim for about 1 cup of berries per 1 cup of syrup for the right sweet-tart profile. Separate the egg white carefully, discarding the yolk, as it will create a luxurious, frothy foam that adds a silky mouthfeel to the cocktail.
Shake and Strain
We build the cocktail in our cocktail shaker for a thorough mix. Add the 2 ounces of pisco, 1 ounce of calafate syrup, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 1 egg white to the shaker. Include a handful of ice cubes—about 6 to 8—to chill and dilute the mixture just enough for a refreshing finish. Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture turns frothy and achieves a velvety texture, releasing the calafate’s bold, tangy essence blended with the warmth of pisco. Finally, use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the shaken cocktail into your prepared glass, ensuring a smooth, ice-free pour that highlights the drink’s elegant foam and vivid purple hues.
Serve
To finish, we present the Calafate Sour in style for an inviting visual and sensory appeal. Pour the strained mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass, filling it about three-quarters full to showcase the frothy top layer that promises a light, airy sip. Garnish with fresh calafate berries or a twist of lemon peel, releasing a burst of citrus aroma that enhances the cocktail’s tart-sweet balance. Serve immediately to savor the crisp, invigorating flavors at their peak, perfect for evoking South America’s rugged charm in every glass.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing the Calafate Sour with you as it’s more than just a drink—it’s a taste of Patagonia’s wild spirit. Crafting this cocktail brings fresh flavors to our gatherings and helps us unwind in style.
Give it a try and you’ll discover how simple ingredients create something truly special. It’s our go-to for elevating any occasion so let’s raise a glass to new cocktail adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Calafate Sour?
The Calafate Sour is a refreshing cocktail from Patagonia, Chile, featuring the tart calafate berry for a sweet-tangy twist. It’s inspired by South America’s rugged landscapes and blends classic elements like pisco with fresh flavors, making it ideal for social events or relaxing alone.
Where does the Calafate Sour originate from?
The Calafate Sour hails from Patagonia in Chile, where the calafate berry is native. This drink evokes the region’s wild beauty and has become popular for its unique taste, blending local ingredients with traditional cocktail techniques.
What ingredients are needed for the Calafate Sour?
You’ll need 2 ounces of high-quality Chilean pisco, 1 ounce of fresh calafate berry syrup, ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, 1 egg white for froth, and ice cubes. Use fresh, high-quality items to capture the berry’s essence and achieve the perfect balance.
How do you make the Calafate Sour?
Start by combining pisco, calafate syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for a frothy texture, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with fresh calafate berries or a lemon twist. Serve immediately for the best flavor—it’s simple and takes just a few minutes.
What equipment is required to make the Calafate Sour?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for precise measurements, a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth pour, a citrus juicer for lemon juice, and a coupe or rocks glass for serving. A bar spoon can help with stirring or adding ice, making preparation efficient for home bartenders.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Calafate Sour recipe?
While fresh ingredients are recommended for the best taste, you can substitute pisco with a similar spirit like vodka if needed, or use store-bought calafate syrup if fresh isn’t available. However, avoid changes to the egg white or lemon juice, as they create the cocktail’s signature froth and tang.
Is the Calafate Sour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly! The recipe is straightforward with simple steps and common ingredients. As long as you have basic bar tools, you can make it at home with ease, and the article’s instructions help ensure professional results on your first try.