If there’s one thing that makes a trip to Peru unforgettable—besides its landscapes and ancient ruins—it’s its incredible variety of drinks. Today, I invite you to discover the Best Peruvian Drinks, where every sip is a blend of tradition, culture, and unique benefits.
Since pre-Hispanic times, Peruvians have known how to harness the fruits of their land to create beverages that not only refresh but also nourish the body. Ready for this culinary journey with Kantu Peru Tours? Let’s go!
1. Chicha Morada
Imagine walking through the streets of Lima and seeing vendors offering a drink with an intense purple color. This is chicha morada, one of the Best Peruvian Drinks with roots tracing back to the Inca Empire.
- Ancient heritage: Made with purple corn, considered sacred for its antioxidant properties.
- Health in a glass: Thanks to the anthocyanins in the corn, it helps fight cellular aging.
- Unique flavor: Prepared with pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a sweet and spicy touch.
📍 Where to try it: At the San Pedro Market or any traditional “pollería” or local market. Ask for it ice-cold!
2. Pisco Sour
No drink is more Peruvian than the Pisco Sour, a cocktail that has sparked debates (and smiles) between Peru and Chile over its origin. But beyond the rivalry, it’s one of the Best Peruvian Drinks you must try at least once in your life.
- Colonial roots: Pisco has been produced since the 16th century in the valleys of Ica.
- Natural energy: Egg whites provide protein, while lime adds freshness.
- Social ritual: In Peru, Pisco Sour is toasted at parties and celebrations.
📍 Fun fact: There’s a passion fruit or ají (chili) variation that will surprise you!
3. Coca Tea for Altitude Sickness
If you travel to Cusco or Machu Picchu, you’ll notice many hotels offering a little green infusion. It’s not ordinary tea—it’s coca tea, one of the Best Peruvian Drinks to help you acclimate to the altitude.
- Inca ally: Coca leaves were used in ceremonies and as medicine for fatigue.
- Digestion & oxygenation: Helps relieve soroche (altitude sickness) and improves digestion.
- Legal & safe: Consuming it as an infusion is permitted in Peru.
📍 Where to drink it? At any hostel in the highlands, especially in Cusco and Puno.
4. Peruvian Emoliente
Early in the morning, on the streets of Lima, you’ll see carts selling a steaming drink in glass cups. This is emoliente, an infusion Peruvians consider almost magical.
- Ancient recipe: Includes herbs like boldo, flaxseed, and quince, used since colonial times.
- Natural detox: Ideal after a night of partying or heavy meals.
- Versatile: Served hot in winter and cold in summer.
📍 Travel tip: Ask for it with a splash of lemon and honey to boost its effects.
5. Chicha de Jora: The Beer of the Incas
Before industrial beers arrived, the Incas already enjoyed their own fermented drink: chicha de jora. Today, it remains one of the Best Peruvian Drinks to connect with history.
- Sacred fermentation: The Incas used it in rituals and even as currency for taxes.
- Rich in probiotics: Naturally fermented, it aids digestion.
- Unique taste: Can be sweet or strong, depending on fermentation.
📍 Where to try it? At “chicherías” in Cusco, recognizable by their white flags.
6. Camu Camu Juice
If you visit the Peruvian jungle, don’t miss camu camu juice, a fruit that contains 40 times more vitamin C than an orange. Without a doubt, it’s one of the Best Peruvian Drinks to boost your immune system.
- Powerful antioxidant: Ideal for combating travel fatigue.
- Explosive flavor: Tart and refreshing, often mixed with honey or sugar.
- Sustainable farming: Its harvest supports Amazonian communities.
📍 Where to find it? In markets in Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado.
7. Muña Tea
Among the Best Peruvian Drinks, there’s a steaming, aromatic infusion travelers discover when reaching the highlands: muña tea. This Andean plant, with small leaves and a minty aroma, has been the preferred natural remedy of highland communities for centuries—and for good reason.
- Relieves nausea & fatigue from altitude (ideal for Cusco, Puno, or the Inca Trail).
- Aids digestion after heavy meals like lomo saltado or pachamanca.
- Antibacterial properties.
📍 Where to drink it? At any hostel or café in the highlands, especially in Cusco.
8. Peruvian Craft Beer
In the last decade, Peru has experienced a true craft beer revolution, blending Andean tradition with innovation to create unique styles that surprise international palates.
- Wide variety: From bold IPAs to cocoa-infused stouts.
- Supports local producers: Uses Andean ingredients, boosting sustainable economies.
- Cultural experience: Each beer reflects Peru’s diversity.
📍 Where to try it? In Lima, don’t miss Barbarian or Cervecería del Valle Sagrado, or the bars of San Blas (Cusco).
9. Peruvian Inka Kola
Inka Kola, Peru’s most iconic soda, is a unique soft drink with a sweet, herbal flavor and vibrant yellow color, winning over local and foreign taste buds for generations.
- Unmatched taste: Its distinct lemongrass flavor sets it apart.
- Cultural icon: Represents Peruvian identity, often paired with local dishes.
- Mass popularity: The best-selling soda in Peru, even surpassing international brands.
📍 Where to try it? At any restaurant, market, or store in Peru—from Lima to Cusco.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peruvian Drinks
1. What is the most representative drink of Peru?
The Pisco Sour is the national cocktail par excellence, while chicha morada is the most popular non-alcoholic traditional drink.
2. Is coca tea legal for tourists?
Yes, it is completely legal and commonly consumed in high-altitude areas like Cusco and Puno to help with altitude sickness.
3. Where can I find the best craft beer in Peru?
In Lima, visit Barbarian in Barranco or Cervecería Nacional in Miraflores. In Cusco, try Cervecería del Valle Sagrado.
4. Which natural drink helps with soroche (altitude sickness)?
Coca tea is the best option, followed by muña tea, both of which have properties that aid in acclimatization.
5. Does chicha de jora contain alcohol?
The traditional fermented version does have a low alcohol content (2-3% ABV), but there is also a non-alcoholic “fresh” variety.
6. Where can I buy good-quality pisco?
The wineries in Ica (such as Tacama or Queirolo) are ideal. In supermarkets, look for brands like Campo de Encanto or La Caravedo.
Peruvian beverages are much more than just liquids in a glass—they are ancestral stories, natural remedies, and explosions of flavor that reflect the country’s diversity. From the Inca heritage of chicha morada to innovative pisco cocktails and craft beers conquering the world, each sip is an invitation to discover the soul of Peru.
Whether you’re fighting altitude sickness with coca tea, celebrating with a Pisco Sour, or refreshing yourself with Amazonian camu camu, these drinks will let you experience Peruvian culture in the most authentic way. Cheers, and may your next trip with Kantu Peru Tours be filled with unforgettable flavors! 🍹
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