Peru's president, Alan García, and his Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-Bak, drink Pisco Sour at the Government Palace. Photo: ANDINA / Dante Zegarra
11:33 | Lima, Nov. 24 (ANDINA).
Peru’s flagship drink Pisco Sour was the “star” of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit held this weekend in Peru's capital Lima.
Pisco Sour was the favorite cocktail of leaders, business people and delegates attending this historic event.
“Our flagship drink was well accepted by international guests, including Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso”, said Peruvian Environment Minister Antonio Brack.
"Peru has successfully promoted its "Pisco Sour" as well as other national products like kiwicha, sweet potatoes and traditional Peruvian potatoes among foreign visitors attending the APEC Leaders' Week”, Brack added.
Pisco Sour combines pisco (a Peruvian brandy) with lemon juice, egg whites, simple syrup, and regional bitters. It is considered mandatory in Peru for welcoming guests and other festive occasions. Last week's gathering has been no exception.
U.S. President George W. Bush, who quit drinking at 40, was apparently drinking a Peruvian cocktail during an APEC meeting on Saturday.
When Peruvian President Alan Garcia and Chinese leader Hu Jintao announced the successful conclusion of bilateral free trade talks on Wednesday, waiters arrived bearing trays of the beverage to celebrate.
South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak paid homage to the cocktail in his speech at the APEC summit's official opening Saturday, singling it out as an example of deepening trade and cultural ties with Peru.
Peru marks annual "Pisco Sour Day" in early February with pisco-tasting parties across the country and a pisco sour fountain in Lima's historic main square.
(END) AVC/EEP
Publicado: 24/11/2008