First established in Arequipa and Cusco in 2012, Museo Del Pisco quickly became one of Peru’s most revered artisanal cocktail bars, well-regarded for its inspired and inventive pisco mixology. In 2016, Museo Del Pisco finally arrived to Lima at the heart of city’s historic center across the street from the Palacio Arzobispal de Lima and the Plaza de Armas de Lima. Since arriving to Lima, Museo Del Pisco has usurped other venues as one of the best cocktail bars in Lima for pisco tasting and enjoying handcrafted cocktails.
While not a museo (museum) in the true sense of the word, Museo Del Pisco is an artisanal cocktail bar that honors the rich heritage and history of Peru’s national liquor in more ways than one. Like proper Pisqueros, the rustic décor and interior design of Museo Del Pisco pays homage to the traditional vineyards and pisco distilleries of Ica, the mecca of Peruvian pisco production. In similar fashion to the spacious haciendas of the same area, Museo Del Pisco’s large wooden tables and roomy seating allows for small to medium-sized groups to enjoy their pisco experience comfortably.
As for the pisco and creative cocktails at Museo Del Pisco? Museo Del Pisco has tapped into the best of what Peruvian pisco offers, and that is versatility and creativity. It’s been said that pisco has the soul of cognac, the versatility of vodka, the complexity of gin, and the smoothness of tequila. This unique versatility and character makes pisco the perfect liquor for a variety of mixers and cocktails, and it’s also why the spirit has become such a highly prized commodity worldwide.
With artisan produced premium pisco as the foundation, Museo Del Pisco’s strongest specialties are their cocktails, chilcanos, and “frutales” with liberal use of locally-sourced citrus, berries, herbs, and spices. Overall, Museo Del Pisco offers over 50 different classic cocktails, premium cocktails, chilcanos, sours, and refreshing “frutales”. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the drinks at Museo Del Pisco, but here’s a list of our personal Top 5 favorites.
Top 5 Museo Del Pisco Drinks
Classic Pisco Sour
Peru’s pisco version of the “whisky sour”, invented at the historic Bar Maury in Centro de Lima in the early 1900s. A tasteful balance of strength and sweetness on the palate, Museo Del Pisco’s classic pisco sour is a good as them come in Lima, which says a lot considering the history of the cocktail. Read more about the history of Peru’s famous cocktail here.
Andino Chilcano
The Andino chilcano features Andean mint macerated pisco, Andean cactus seed macerated pisco, lime juice, bitter, and ginger ale. If the pisco sour is Peru’s answer to the whiskey sour, then the chilcano is Peru’s answer to the “gin and ginger” cocktail. Pisco pairs beautifully with ginger and they combine to make a fresh, bright, and refreshing cocktail. Museo Del Pisco’s Andino chilcano steps it up a notch with some Andean-Peruvian flair. Highly recommended!
Libia Frutale
The Libia “frutale” features pisco, strawberry juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, rosemary, mango, and passion fruit.
Maracahigo Chilcano & Fresh Frutale
The Maracahigo features fig macerated pisco, lime juice, passion fruit juice, ginger syrup, bitter and ginger ale.
The Fresh “frutale” features pisco, melon liquor, lime juice, sweet syrup, cucumber, Andean mint, and an aguaymanto garnish.
The perfect day (and night) out in Centro de Lima
Not only is Museo Del Pisco one of the best cocktail bars in Lima to go for pisco tasting and for trying handcrafted cocktails, it’s also one of the best venues in Centro de Lima in general. Conveniently located right on the corner of the Plaza de Armas de Lima, you can catch some great views of the center square from the venue itself. Our recommendation is to go here right after completing the Lima City of Kings-approved downtown Lima walking tour. This is the perfect way to take in and experience the best of both Centro de Lima and Museo Del Pisco. Salud and please enjoy responsibly!
Location and Info
Museo Del Pisco
Jr. Carabaya 193, Cercado
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Museo del Pisco is located just northeast of the Plaza de Armas, its entrance visible from the right side of the Government Palace. To check out our high-res photos, see the Museo Del Pisco album on the Lima City of Kings Facebook page!