Coziness doesn’t usually come in a plastic cup that a stranger hands you. But that was my introduction to Calientito.
Calientito is a warm drink made with Pisco, and it’s a tasty way to enjoy cold Andean nights. In this case it was prepared in a giant pot, and a señora poured it into plastic cups with a ladle. I gratefully sipped the steaming liquid and noticed lime and Pisco as the drink warmed me up.
In that part of Peru the drink is actually called Chamis. I imagine this is the Quechua name for Calientito. But what really matters is, Calientito is the perfect way to pass a cold evening. And if you want to sample it, you can find the ingredients at home!
Why Calientito is The Best Drink When It’s Cold
In that village on the side of a mountain, there were a few ways to avoid the worst of the cold. But nightly temperatures lowered to almost-freezing, and in the rainy season there seemed to be no escape.
The whole town was in bed by 8PM every day. And every bed had so many heavy blankets it was almost impossible to move under them.
Someone had also told me adobe was a good insulator, but I doubted this in the middle of freezing nights. I later recalled she moved to the warmer coast and had been there for years when she told me this.
Still, calientito is my favorite way to warm up on cold Peruvian nights. It’s a warm drink to begin with, and of course the alcohol gives a feeling of warmth too. Since it’s found in bars and shared in streets there is a social aspect. In the village this was a big plus because my Spanish skills were weak, making calientito a great way to connect with my new neighbors.
My Recipe
This is a simple drink to make. Make sure you have the following:
- 1 lime
- 1-2 shots of Pisco
- 1 tsp of honey
- Hot tea (any kind works- I prefer green tea)
Once the tea is ready, add the honey and Pisco. Finally, cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the drink. You have Calientito!
Conclusion
Definitely try this at home! It’s tasty and a cool cultural experience in a time when travel isn’t super realistic.
When you are ready to experience Peru’s amazing food scene and drink a Chamis in the Andes, consider using ethical hotels.
And check out these itineraries to have the best South American adventure!
