Overview: Pisco – The Spirit of Peru It’s one of the oldest drinks in the new world. And for millions of people, Peruvian pisco is an ancient treasure to be savored. The Thirsty Traveler ventures south of the equator to Peru’s port city of Pisco. Here, the people of this quaint old town have for centuries produced a namesake spirit that has become Peru’s national drink. Quicker than you can say Machu Picchu, our fearless host retraces pisco’s Inca roots as he introduces us to the fiery, aromatic brandy made from local Quebranta grapes. But being the Thirsty Traveler he is, he’ll also have to sample several pisco sours: a heady cocktail containing two ice cubes, a dollop of beaten egg whites, a little lemon juice, and enough pisco to cauterize a wound. Salud!