Terremoto

Chile is a country known for earthquakes. Basically, very often you can feel smaller and sometimes more stronger, single time temblings of the earth. It is a part of Chileans every-day-life. Well, it is not a big thing unless their strength is more than 8 degree in Richer scale, then we are talking about earthquake, in Spanish “Terremoto”. But hold on second – when talking in Chile about terremoto, it not necessary means earth movement, but a very popular alcoholic drink 🙂 that has a very nice story of its origin.

The story behind

In March 1985 there was a big earthquake in Santiago. Some German reporters came to Santiago to report about the damages caused by the earthquake. Since it was March – summer in the South America – the weather was ver, very hot. In order to cool off the heat, German reporters get to the bar and asked for something refreshing. As a result a waiter added some pineapple ice-cream to a glass of pipeño. When they tried the drink, they screamed  – This truly is an earthquake – due to how strong it was. Since then, the name stuck for good for this drink and the place that served it – called La Piojera – became a symbol of the drink.

Terremoto

Personally, I do not think it leaves you shaking at the knees, but it is very delicious and maybe cause you little headache, depending how much you get of it.

Chile’s iconic drink – is ubiquitous during Independence Day celebrations on September 18 and 19, but it’s possible to enjoy a pitcher year-round at many typical Chilean bars.

However, when going to Chile and especially Santiago, there is only one place to get your really first Terremoto – the place it was born in – La Piojera. You can easily drop by to the bar during your sightseeing of Santiago since it is located in the city centre, very close to Mercado Central. The look from outside does not look very appealing, but that’s all fun about it. So do not be scared of its little bit hidden location, orange walls and no windows.

La Piojera

Terremoto recipe

To make your own batch of Terremotos, you’ll need the following:

• 300 ml glass
• 1 bottle of white wine or vino pipeño (a sweet, homemade wine sold in plastic jugs, and similar to chicha)
• 2 parts of fernet, rum, cognac or pisco
• 2 scoops of pineapple ice cream

Mix the wine and liquor of choice thoroughly in a one-liter jar, then add ice cream. Serve immediately with a straw.

Pipeño

In order to learn how Piojera’s expert bartenders prepare this famous drink watch the following tutorial and Salud!