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Pisco Punch, Cocktail #62

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Pisco Punch
Pisco Punch

The Pisco Punch is cocktail number 62 on the Swank Cocktail Guide.

Pisco Punch history

The Pisco Punch was invented by Duncan Nicol at the Bank Exchange in San Francisco. The Bank Exchange opened in the 1850s and Duncan Nicol began working at the establishment in the 1870s. A 1921 newspaper articles states Nicol, “…cannot remember when he invented the Pisco punch. Duncan Nicol knows what is in the Pisco punch besides Pisco brandy from Peru-no one else does.”

"All Knew Pisco Johns," newspaper article, The Kansas City Times (Kansas City, Missouri), 22 Feb 1921, p. 7 col. 2.
“All Knew Pisco Johns,” newspaper article, The Kansas City Times (Kansas City, Missouri), 22 Feb 1921, p. 7 col. 2.

Duncan Nicol died at the age of 72, never revealing his secret recipe for the Pisco Punch. As his estate was settled, it was determined he will about twice more than what he had.

"Secret of Pisco Punch Lost to World," newspaper article, News-Pilot (San Pedro, California), 10- Feb 1926, p. 1, col. 5.
“Secret of Pisco Punch Lost to World,” newspaper article, News-Pilot (San Pedro, California), 10- Feb 1926, p. 1, col. 5.
"Pisco John Wills More Than He Had," newspaper article, The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California), 6 Mar 1926, p. 16, col. 4.
“Pisco John Wills More Than He Had,” newspaper article, The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California), 6 Mar 1926, p. 16, col. 4.

So, if Duncan Nicol died without revealing the contents of the Pisco Punch, are we really drinking the same drink he served back in the day? I guess we’ll never know.

Pisco Punch cocktail recipe

Pisco Punch cocktail recipe
Pisco Punch cocktail recipe

Place 1 piece ice, 1 tsp. each Pineapple and Lemon juice into wine glass. Add 2 jiggers Brandy, small Pineapple cube. Fill with cold water.

Ingredients used:

  • Macchu Pisco
  • Fresh pineapple juice and pineapple
  • Fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Pisco Punch cocktail review

Our ratings (1-5 🍸)

Greg: 🍸🍸🍸
Kim: 🍸🍸🍸

A unique drink. It’s not a favorite, but the stories behind it make it worth a try.

Next up… Cocktail # 63, Planter’s Punch

Swank Cocktail Guide: 80 cocktails in 80 days

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