pisco
punch
week
2025
Pisco punch
Quick history of
Pisco Punch was born in late 1800s San Francisco during the city’s Gold Rush boom. It was created by Duncan Nicol, bartender and owner of the famed Bank Exchange Saloon in the Financial District. The drink became an instant hit for its tropical flavor, refined presentation, and surprising strength.
The Original Formula
Though the exact recipe was a closely guarded secret, the core ingredients were known to include Peruvian Italia pisco, pineapple gum syrup, and fresh lemon juice. The result? A smooth, refreshing cocktail that packed a serious punch—earning it a reputation as “lemonade that kicks like a mule.”
Gone But Never Forgotten
When Prohibition shut down the Bank Exchange in 1920, the original Pisco Punch disappeared. But the legend lived on through writers like Rudyard Kipling and Herb Caen, who celebrated its mythical allure.
A Modern Revival
Today, bartenders around the world are rediscovering Pisco Punch, using BarSol Pisco and fresh ingredients to honor the classic while bringing it into the modern cocktail scene. It’s a timeless drink that bridges Peruvian tradition and San Francisco history.
Pisco arrives in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush, becoming a favorite spirit among prospectors and city dwellers.
Bartender Duncan Nicol at the Bank Exchange creates the legendary Pisco Punch, a secret recipe that becomes San Francisco's signature cocktail.
Craft cocktail movement rediscovers Pisco Punch, with BarSol leading the renaissance of this historic cocktail.
The original recipe is nearly lost as the Bank Exchange closes and Pisco imports decline during Prohibition.
1830s
1880s
Prohibition era
Modern revival
Bank Exchange Saloon in San Francisco, CA
Duncan Nicol - Far left
ABOUT BARSOL PISCO
BarSol is the leading Pisco brand in the world which pioneered the revival of the Pisco category in the international markets over 20 years ago. Crafted in small batches and estate bottled, BarSol is the ultimate artisanal Pisco from Ica, Peru, distilled to bottle proof and neither water nor other ingredients are added to the sole grape juice that is fermented into a perfect wine before it is distilled, thereby creating an exceptional spirit of exquisite purity, clarity and smoothness. Highly awarded for its superior taste, BarSol is the perfect reward for all occasions.
BarSol adheres to the traditional Pisco pot distillation method practiced in Peru since the 1500’s. Distilled and bottled in Bodega San Isidro, a century old distillery, BarSol is produced from fresh wines fermented exclusively from Pisco grapes harvested in the Southern Valley of Ica.
We truly love what we do and represent, and we look forward to transmit it in each glass of Pisco that we serve. Our Pisco is the true expression of our art and we want to share it with the world.
Peru's Noble Spirit
Pisco is Peru's iconic grape brandy, distilled from fermented grape juice into a clear, aromatic spirit with centuries of tradition behind it. BarSol Pisco is crafted in the Ica Valley using traditional methods dating back to the 16th century.
Unlike many spirits, premium pisco is distilled only once to preserve the natural character of the grapes, with no additives or aging in wood—resulting in a pure expression of its terroir.
BarSol is the leading Pisco brand in the world which pioneered the revival of the Pisco category in the international markets over 20 years ago.
