Summer Drinks Featuring New Spirit KAPPA Pisco
From the family behind the Grand Marnier® brand and Lapostolle Wines comes the new spirit, KAPPA™ Pisco. The spirit, a combination of French and Chilean cultures, comes from the Elqui Valley in Chile and is already accruing industry awards such as the Double Gold Medal award in its spirit category and the Double Gold Medal for bottle design (design by Ora-Ito) at the 2012 San Francisco Spirits Competition.
What is Pisco?
Pisco is a spirit produced only in Chile and Peru from the fermentation of grapes with a final alcohol content of 30% to 50%. Considering its heritage, KAPPA™ Pisco is made through a process similar to cognac: double distillation of wine in copper alambic stills. However, unlike cognac, Pisco does not require aging. KAPPA™ Pisco is made from Pink Muscat and Alexandria grapes grown from Elqui Valley Vineyards and goes through the process of vinifcation, distillation, and bottling in Atacama and Coquimbo regions (the only regions allowed for the production of Chilean Pisco).The spirit itself is clear in color and so versatile it can be drunk in almost any fashion.
Below are two recipes that exemplify KAPPA™ Pisco’s versatility and ability to perfectly blend together with other flavors without overpowering the palate. The first drink, KAPPA™ Blue Star, takes advantage of fresh blueberries currently in season (lowest price appears to be Publix with a pint for $1.99) and has a sweet and smooth fruity flavor. After tasting this drink, one immediately wants to either add champagne to give it a more bubbly taste and feel or experiment with other fruit flavors.
In a twist to the traditional Pisco Sour, the second drink, KAPPA™ Rico, is served with Grand Marnier and has a crisp and refreshing flavor. If one adds salt to this drink, the flavor then becomes a twist on the traditional Margarita. Both drinks are perfect for drinking during the hot summer months and KAPPA™ Pisco provides a high-quality spirit made for experimenting and creating new drinks.
KAPPA Blue Star
Yields 1 drink
- 2 oz KAPPA Pisco
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 10 blueberries
In a mixing glass muddle blueberries with simple sugar. Add remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass or small champagne flute.
KAPPA Rico
Yields 1 drink
- 1 1/2 oz KAPPA Pisco
- 1 oz Grand Marnier
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 1/4 oz simple sugar
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or other fresh fruit.
Simple Sugar Recipe
Source: Shaggy on Allrecipes.com
Yields 1 1/3 cup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
KAPPA Pisco is available at local liquor stores for $35 (price may vary).
Source: Truth Be Told on behalf of Marnier-Lapostolle.
Stephanie Diaz is the writer behind Confessions of a City Eater. For more on baking visit Confessions of a City Eater or send your emails to confessionsofacityeater@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: The product in this review was provided free of cost for the purpose of writing this review. All opinions and views expressed in this article are Stephanie Diaz’s and are not influenced by monetary compensation. Product information and stock image provided by Truth Be Told on behalf of Marnier-Lapostolle.
