The Cupid’s Cup

The Cupid’s Cup is a pisco cocktail for anyone who likes their drinks bright, not sweet. Aperol brings a gentle bitter orange note, fresh lemon keeps it lively, and a soft layer of foam sits on top.

Pisco is a grape brandy from South America. It is smooth and lightly floral, which makes it a lovely partner for citrus. If you have only ever had it in a Pisco Sour, this is a fun way to try it.

Aperol is the Italian aperitif behind the famous spritz. In this drink, it adds that beautiful sunset colour and a hint of bitterness that balances the lemon. The result is a pisco cocktail that tastes fresh and grown-up, perfect before dinner or on the patio.  Not everyone at the table wants a cocktail, and that is fine. The mocktail version keeps the same colour and citrus brightness, so no one feels left out. You will find it in the recipe notes below.

The Culinary Chase

The Cupid's Cup

A flirty and vibrant riff on a classic pisco sour, featuring bright lemon, bittersweet Aperol, and a velvety foam finish. Includes an easy non-alcoholic mocktail option!

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Servings: 1 person

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 oz Pisco
• 1 oz Aperol
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup equal parts hot water & sugar (stir until dissolved)
• 1 egg white

Equipment

• 1 cocktail shaker can also use a jar with a lid
• 1 jigger

Method

 

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Give it a vigorous dry shake first to build that velvety foam, then toss in ice and shake until the container feels thoroughly chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe.

The Culinary Chase’s Note

A traditional Pisco Sour calls for lime, but lemon steps in here to perfectly balance the bittersweet notes of Aperol.  Enjoy!

Mocktail Version: Prefer a non-alcoholic option? Swap the pisco for 1 1/2 oz of unsweetened white grape juice and the Aperol for 1 oz of a non-alcoholic bitter orange aperitif (or a splash of fresh orange juice with a tiny touch of grapefruit juice for that bittersweet bite). Follow the exact same dry shake and ice shake method to keep that gorgeous, velvety foam!