The Andean Dusk Cocktail is a combination of Pisco, grapes, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and rosé champagne.
With Pisco also being a grape-based spirit, the Andean Dusk has a beautiful way of highlighting this base ingredient without making it too one-dimensional.
Ingredients of the Andean Dusk
The drink is a sophisticated mix of grapes, a sweet component, and the obligatory lemon juice. It's a nice sip, complex enough to make it stand out, but
Pisco in the Andean Dusk
Pisco is a grape-based, mostly colorless spirit from South America. You can divide it into two main types: one comes from Peru, the other from Chile.
Both countries claim the invention of the spirit for themselves, and both apply different production procedures that lead to notably different results. You can read the whole story in the guide to Pisco.
Because the other ingredients in the Andean Dusk are so versatile, it does not call for a specific type of Pisco. You can easily go with your preferred bottle.
If you're new to Pisco, try one of the classic brands, like BarSol or Macchu Pisco. They're usually fairly easy to get and deliver good value for money.
Champagne
Champagne is a premium sparkling wine with a premium price tag and the second grape-based ingredient. To earn its name, the Andean Dusk calls for the Rosé Version.
The reason why so many cocktails call for champagne instead of other, more affordable bubbly, is that it has the ability to bring an elegant and luxurious vibe to every drink.
Also, for a long time, there was nothing comparable available. Champagne was the only sparkling wine that followed strict regulations and was produced in uniform quality.
But, depending on your location, a good Rosé Prosecco is a lot more affordable and absolutely suitable for the drink. Go for spumante, though, as you need a good dose of fizz in mixed drinks.
Read more about Prosecco and the different types.
Grapes in the Andean Dusk
Fresh red grapes are the third grape element in the cocktail. Because you muddle them and mix them into the drink, they should be seedless.
You don't want tiny pieces of grape seeds in your drink, and they also have an, in this case, unwanted bitter taste.
Syrup and lemon juice
Simple syrup and lemon juice are necessary to balance the flavors in the cocktail. They take away the alcoholic edge and add some more complexity.
As always, to achieve the best results, the lemon juice should be freshly squeezed.
Other Pisco Cocktails
If you want to try other drinks made with Pisco, a Sour always is a crowd-pleaser.
Slightly change the ratios, replace the bubbly with egg white and a few drops of Angostura bitters, and you will get a beautiful Pisco Sour.
Another option is the Pisco Collins. For that, you substitute the bubbly with sparkling water, also change the ratios, and create a refreshing riff on the classic John Collins cocktail.
For more Pisco drinks, check out this overview of the best Pisco Cocktails.
Other Champagne Cocktails
Champagne Cocktails are a no-brainer when it comes to picking drinks for all kinds of festive occasions.
The Death in the Afternoon, made with sparkling wine and Absinthe, is another unique way to surprise your guests.
For a more exhaustive list, you can head over to our list of Champagne Cocktails for New Year's Eve.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 seedless red grapes
- 1 oz Pisco
- 0.5 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 3.5 oz Rosé Champagne
Instructions
- Gently muddle the seedless grapes in your cocktail shaker2 seedless red grapes
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, Pisco, and plenty of ice into your shaker. Shake well for 10 - 15 seconds.0.5 oz lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 1 oz Pisco
- Strain the mix into a champagne flute and drop in one whole red grape
- Top up with Rose Champagne. Salut!3.5 oz Rosé Champagne