Get a taste of paradise with this PCP drink recipe! Made with 1 oz of pear brandy, a tablespoon each of strawberry liqueur, lemon juice, and vanilla syrup, this cocktail is a fruity and flavorful concoction that's perfect for any occasion. Mix the ingredients in a shaker and strain for a smooth and delicious drink. Start your bartending journey and impress your guests with this easy-to-make recipe!
PCP Ingredients
- 1 oz Pear Brandy
- 1 tbsp strawberry liqueur
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
PCP Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
PCP Recipe
- consider making fresh Lemon juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 12 hours)
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill glass
The Popularity of PCP Cocktail
History and Origins
The PCP cocktail, also known as the Pear, Cucumber, and Pepper cocktail, is a refreshing and unique cocktail that originated in the United States. The origins of this cocktail are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created by a bartender in the early 2000s. As the name suggests, the cocktail was inspired by the ingredients that are used to make it – pear, cucumber, and pepper.
Famous For
The PCP cocktail is famous for its refreshing taste and unique combination of flavors. It is a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts who are looking for something different than the traditional cocktails that are commonly served at bars and restaurants.
Geographic
The PCP cocktail has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. However, it has also become popular in other parts of the world, including Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Appearance
The PCP cocktail has a light green color, which is due to the ingredients that are used to make it. The cocktail is typically served in a highball glass or a Collins glass, and it is garnished with a slice of cucumber and a slice of pear.
Ingredient Roles
Pear Brandy
Pear brandy is the main ingredient in the PCP cocktail. It is a type of brandy that is made from fermented pears and is known for its sweet and fruity flavor.
Strawberry Liqueur
Strawberry liqueur is used to add a sweet and fruity flavor to the PCP cocktail. It is made from the juice of fresh strawberries and is typically used in cocktails that require a fruity flavor.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is used to add a sour and tangy flavor to the PCP cocktail. It is a common ingredient in cocktails and is used to balance out the sweetness of other ingredients.
Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla syrup is used to add a sweet and creamy flavor to the PCP cocktail. It is made from vanilla beans, sugar, and water, and is commonly used in cocktails and coffee drinks.
How to Garnish
To garnish the PCP cocktail, slice a thin piece of cucumber and a thin slice of pear. Place the cucumber slice on the rim of the glass and place the pear slice on top of the cucumber slice.
Variations
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin/mocktail version of the PCP cocktail, simply omit the pear brandy and strawberry liqueur. Replace them with 1 oz of pear juice and 1 oz of strawberry juice. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The PCP cocktail is naturally gluten-free since none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, it is important to ensure that the brandy and liqueur that you use are also gluten-free. Some popular gluten-free brands include Tito's Handmade Vodka and Cointreau.
Vegan Version
The PCP cocktail is already vegan, as none of the ingredients contain animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the PCP cocktail, replace the vanilla syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. These sweeteners are low in carbs and will not affect your ketosis.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the PCP cocktail, replace the pear brandy with sparkling water and the strawberry liqueur with a sugar-free syrup. This will significantly reduce the calorie content of the cocktail.
Common Mistakes When Making
Using Poor-Quality Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients that you use can significantly impact the taste of the PCP cocktail. It is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure that the cocktail has the best possible flavor.
Not Using a Shaker With a Strainer
When making the PCP cocktail, it is important to use a shaker with a strainer to get rid of any large pieces of ingredients such as fruit parts or seeds. This will ensure that the cocktail is smooth and well-blended.
Not Using Fresh Juice
Fresh juice is key to making a flavorful and refreshing PCP cocktail. It is best to use a juicer or squeezer to extract the juice from fresh fruits rather than using pre-packaged juice.
In conclusion, the PCP cocktail is a refreshing and unique cocktail that is gaining popularity in the United States and around the world. By using high-quality ingredients and following the proper techniques, you can make a delicious PCP cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you choose to make a virgin, gluten-free, vegan, keto, or low-calorie version, the PCP cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by all.
If you are going to order PCP in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. PCP can be served with different ingredients in different places.
