Ancestral Drinks in Cusco, the historic heart of the Andes and former capital of the Inca Empire. Offers a cultural and sensory experience unlike any other place in the world. While Cusco is widely known for its architectural wonders and its proximity to Machu Picchu. It also boasts a vibrant tradition of ancestral beverages. These drinks, with recipes passed down over centuries. Embody the rich, earthy flavors of the Andes and provide an immersive way to connect with Peru’s heritage.
In this post, we’ll journey through some of the most iconic ancestral drinks of Cusco. Each representing unique ingredients, methods, and stories from the past. Whether it’s an earthy chicha, a potent pisco cocktail, or a healing cup of coca tea. Each of these beverages offers a sip of history. Ancestral Drinks in Cusco
1. Chicha de Jora: The Incan Corn Beer
One of the oldest drinks in Peru. Chicha de Jora is a fermented corn beer with a heritage stretching back over a thousand years to the time of the Incas. This drink was an essential part of ancient Andean ceremonies and festivals, believed to bridge the physical and spiritual worlds.
Ingredients and Preparation: People traditionally make Chicha de Jora. By fermenting jora corn (a type of malted corn) over several days, resulting in a mildly alcoholic, earthy beer. They typically do the brewing process in large clay pots known as chombas.
Flavor Profile: Lightly sour and earthy, with a slight bitterness.
Where to Try It: For an authentic experience, visit a rural chichería or join a guided cultural tour. Around Cusco to sample freshly made chicha.
2. Pisco Sour: The National Cocktail of Peru
Although Pisco Sour originated along the Peruvian coast, people across the country celebrate it as a national symbol. People make this cocktail from pisco, a grape-based brandy, and it has earned its place as a Peruvian favorite.
Ingredients and Preparation: The cocktail is a blend of pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup. And a whipped egg white that gives it a foamy top, all finished with a dash of Angostura bitters.
Flavor Profile: The taste is a balance of tart and sweet, with the smooth texture of pisco. And a refreshing citrus punch.
Where to Try It: Every bar in Cusco offers a Pisco Sour, but for an authentic experience. Try it in a local picantería (traditional restaurant).
3. Mate de Coca: A Remedy for Altitude Sickness
Travelers can feel breathless due to Cusco’s high altitude. And one of the traditional remedies for this is Mate de Coca, or coca tea. Made from coca leaves that indigenous Andean communities have been using for centuries.
Ingredients and Preparation: People steep Coca leaves in hot water, releasing their medicinal properties into the tea. It’s natural, non-narcotic, and legal in Peru.
Flavor Profile: Mildly grassy and earthy, similar to green tea but less bitter.
Where to Try It: Mate de Coca is widely available throughout Cusco, from hotel lobbies to local cafes. Most tour companies also offer it as a welcome drink to help travelers adjust to the altitude.
4. Chicha Morada: The Non-Alcoholic Purple Corn Drink
Another form of chicha, Chicha Morada is a non-alcoholic, fruity drink made from purple corn (maíz morado), a staple crop rich in antioxidants.
Ingredients and Preparation: Boil purple corn with spices like cinnamon and cloves. Then sweeten it with sugar or pineapple to create a vibrant, nutritious beverage.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, with a hint of spice from cinnamon and cloves.
Where to Try It: Most Peruvian restaurants serve Chicha Morada with meals, making it easy to find in Cusco.
5. Frutillada: Strawberry-Infused Corn Drink
Frutillada is a variation of chicha, adding strawberries (frutilla) to the mix for a refreshing twist. People often share this drink among friends and families during celebrations.
Ingredients and Preparation: They make this beverage by fermenting corn and then mixing in strawberries for added flavor and color.
Flavor Profile: Slightly tart and sweet, with a fruity taste that balances the earthy tones of corn.
Where to Try It: Head to the Sacred Valley near Cusco, where frutillada is popular in small chicherías.
6. Emoliente: An Andean Herbal Infusion
An herbal concoction traditionally enjoyed on cool Andean evenings, Emoliente is popular in Cusco. As both a drink and a remedy for common ailments.
Ingredients and Preparation: A mix of herbs, such as flaxseed, barley, and medicinal plants. Is boiled together, creating a warm, soothing drink often sweetened with honey.
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet and earthy, with a slightly thick texture due to the flaxseed.
Where to Try It: Look for street vendors in Cusco selling Emoliente, especially in the evening.
7. Camu Camu Juice: Amazonian Vitamin-C Boost
For a refreshing and healthful drink, Camu Camu Juice offers a taste of the Amazon. Camu Camu is a small fruit that contains high levels of vitamin C. Making it a favorite among locals for its immune-boosting benefits.
Ingredients and Preparation: The juice is prepared from fresh camu camu fruit, usually blended with water or sugar to offset its natural tartness.
Flavor Profile: Tart and tangy, somewhat similar to lemon or cranberry.
Where to Try It: Visit a local market or juice bar in Cusco, where camu camu is often available as a fresh, tropical option.
8. Calientito: A Hot Andean Nightcap
On a chilly Andean night, locals in Cusco warm up with Calientito, a hot drink made with aguardiente (sugarcane alcohol), spices, and sometimes fruit.
Ingredients and Preparation: Calientito is prepared by heating aguardiente with cinnamon, cloves, honey, and sometimes a slice of orange or lemon for extra flavor.
Flavor Profile: Spicy and warming, with the sweetness of honey balanced by the potency of the aguardiente.
Where to Try It: Many bars and restaurants in Cusco serve Calientito, especially during colder months.
Savoring Cusco Cultural Heritage Through Ancestral Drinks
Exploring Cusco ancestral drinks is like sipping through history—each beverage reveals layers of tradition, spirituality, and local ingredients that define Peruvian culture. From ceremonial chichas to the everyday mate de coca, each of these drinks holds stories of indigenous wisdom and offers a unique way to connect with the Andean lifestyle.
If you’re planning a visit to Cusco, take the opportunity to explore its traditional drinks. Whether you’re sipping a Pisco Sour in a bustling bar, savoring Chicha de Jora in a rustic chichería, or enjoying a warming Calientito by night, you’ll be experiencing a piece of Peru’s living heritage, one sip at a time.
