When you come to Peru and make a few Peruvian friends or acquaintances, one of the first few questions they will ask you is,
1- "Have you tried Ceviche?".
2- "Have you tried Pisco sour / Chilcano?"
The first is a popular seafood dish served in Latin America, this is a proud dish, probably also a national dish of Peru. It is a fresh raw fish dish mixed with citrus juices like lemons and limes, and also mixed with ají (chillis), corn, sweet potato chunks and raw onions. Sometimes the dish can be served with other yummy creatures of the sea, such as, Octopus.
It's very delicious for those who enjoy raw fish. If you are one to not like raw fish, give it a try first to get that gastronomical experience.
Usually this is served in the mornings to lunch time, rarely is Ceviche served in the evenings. Fish are at its freshest in the early hours of the day.
The second on the list are 'tragos', a Spanish word meaning 'alcoholic beverages'. Both drinks contain the main poison of choice Pisco.
Google says this is "a white brandy made in Peru from muscat grapes."
These two drinks are traditional popular alcoholic beverages in Peru that locals take pride in. I have friends who like to show off their skills in making their version of pisco sours and chilcanos.
Pisco Sours contain an egg white froth, the drink is mixed with pisco and lime juice, upon drinking it you will be greeted with a sour and alcoholic punch to your palate, not to mention an egg white moustache will temporarily reside on your upper lip.This particular drink is strong, so take your time with it and enjoy every sip.
Chilcanos. This is a traditional Peruvian cocktail that can be enjoyed by all (all of those of the legal drinking age). A simple drink, mixed only with ginger ale (ginger bits may be added for a more gingery kick), a shot of pisco and half a lime.
Easy peasy, yes? You can just keep drinking this all night long, as it's very refreshing. Too many can get you drunk though.
Now a couchsurfing buddy told me that it was either Pisco sour or Chilcanos that you can drink all night long without getting a hangover the next morning. Or maybe it's both. Tricky.
Either way, drink responsibly and always have double amount of water in your system.
