Pisco substitutes
The closest substitute for Pisco is Brandy, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Aged, so rounder and less floral. Cognac and Grappa also work. In a pinch, use Cachaça.
What to use instead of Pisco
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
BrandyWorks, tastes different Aged, so rounder and less floral. Same amount | Same amount | 36–45% ABV |
CognacWorks, tastes different Aged, so rounder and less floral. Same amount | Same amount | 40–45% ABV |
GrappaWorks, tastes different Unaged grape spirit, but earthier and more rustic. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV |
CachaçaLast resort Grassier. Same amount | Same amount | 38–48% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Pisco, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Chilcano
60ml (2 oz) Pisco → 60ml (2 oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Pisco Punch
45ml (1½ oz) Pisco → 45ml (1½ oz) Brandy
Same strength
- Pisco Sour
60ml (2 oz) Pisco → 60ml (2 oz) Brandy
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Pisco | Brandy |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–48% ABV | 36–45% ABV |
| Taste | Grape, Floral, Clean, Slightly sweet | Fruity, Warm, Oak, Sweet |
| Aroma | Grape, Floral, Citrus, Muscat | Grape, Oak, Vanilla, Dried fruit |
| Finish | Clean, Aromatic, Medium | Warming, Fruit, Medium to long |
| Property | Pisco | Cognac |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–48% ABV | 40–45% ABV |
| Taste | Grape, Floral, Clean, Slightly sweet | Grape, Dried fruit, Vanilla, Oak, Subtle spice |
| Aroma | Grape, Floral, Citrus, Muscat | Dried fruit, Floral, Oak, Vanilla, Spice |
| Finish | Clean, Aromatic, Medium | Long, Warming, Complex, Smooth |
Bottles like Pisco
Barsol Quebranta and Macchu Pisco are made in the same style as Pisco, so they swap in at the same amount. How they differ
What is Pisco?
Pisco is a grape brandy from Peru and Chile, essential for the Pisco Sour. It has distinctive aromatic, floral character from specific grape varieties.
Got Pisco? It also replaces
Questions about Pisco substitutes
What is the best substitute for Pisco?
Brandy is the closest substitute for Pisco, though the drink will taste a little different. Aged, so rounder and less floral. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Pisco in a Pisco Sour?
Brandy: swap 60ml (2 oz) of Pisco for 60ml (2 oz) of Brandy.
What else tastes like Pisco?
Barsol Quebranta and Macchu Pisco are made in the same style as Pisco, so they swap in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Brandy instead of Pisco change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 3 drinks on this page that use Pisco, Brandy changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Pisco?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.