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The Chilean cocktail known as “terremoto” is a typical drink from the central region of the country, especially popular during the Fiestas Patrias festivities in September.
However, the terremoto is a cocktail that can be enjoyed throughout the year, in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
History and Origin of the Terremoto
It is said that the name of this drink originated at the El Hoyo bar in Estación Central after the 1985 earthquake, when German journalists were served this particular punch and gave it the name of the event they were covering.
Other places in Santiago also claim the invention of this traditional cocktail, such as the bars La Piojera and Las Tejas, each differentiated by the type of liquor used.
What Is Pipeño Wine?
Pipeño is a Chilean alcoholic beverage with a designation of origin, made from the partial alcoholic fermentation of fresh vinifera grape must, Moscatel or Torontel.
How to Prepare a Terremoto Cocktail?
Regardless of the version of the terremoto, the base is a mixture of pipeño wine with pineapple ice cream as the protagonist, so it is advisable to consume it in moderation due to the sweetness that masks the alcohol.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of terremoto cocktail contains approximately 400 kcal, 2 g of protein, 5 g of total fat (2 g of saturated fat), 50 g of carbohydrates, 45 g of sugars, 15 g of ethyl alcohol, and 40 mg of sodium.
Chilean Terremoto Recipe
Ingredients
- 350 ml of pipeño wine
- 2 tablespoons of pineapple ice cream
- Fernet (Bar La Piojera)
- Grenadine (Bar El Hoyo)
- Rum (Bar Las Tejas)
- Cognac (Bar Las Puntas)
- Araucano Liqueur
| Ingredient | Amount | Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Pipeño wine (Moscatel or Torontel) | 350 ml | Base |
| Pineapple ice cream | 2 large tablespoons | Base |
| Fernet | 30 ml | Bar La Piojera |
| Grenadine | 20 ml | Bar El Hoyo |
| Rum | 30 ml | Bar Las Tejas |
| Cognac | 30 ml | Bar Las Puntas |
| Araucano | 30 ml | Alternative version |
Preparation
- Take the pineapple ice cream out of the freezer just before preparing the cocktail so it is firm and does not melt too quickly.
- In a tall glass or large mug, add 2 to 3 generous tablespoons of pineapple ice cream.
- Pour the pipeño wine slowly over the ice cream until the glass is 90% full. The ice cream will begin to float and mix with the wine naturally.
- Add the liquor of your choice to taste (Fernet, grenadine, rum, cognac, or Araucano) and stir gently with a long spoon.
- Serve the terremoto immediately, accompanied by a straw to keep mixing while enjoying it.
What Are the Réplicas?
In Chilean cocktail culture, réplicas are reduced versions of the terremoto that are served after the initial one, presented in smaller glasses. The preparation is identical to that of the original terremoto, with the same proportion of pipeño and pineapple ice cream, in a glass of between 200 and 250 ml instead of the standard 400 ml glass. Ordering réplicas is part of the social ritual of the cocktail in Chilean fondas and bars during September.
Maremoto or Chilean Tsunami
The maremoto or tsunami is the most ordered variant after the original terremoto. It is prepared with the same 350 ml of pipeño and 2 tablespoons of pineapple ice cream, substituting the conventional liquor with approximately 30 ml of mint liqueur. The result is an intensely green cocktail with a fresh aroma that contrasts with the sweetness of the pineapple ice cream.
Non-Alcoholic Terremoto
The non-alcoholic version of the terremoto keeps the same base of pineapple ice cream and substitutes the pipeño wine with ginger ale or Sprite. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of pineapple ice cream in a large glass and pour 300 ml of the carbonated drink slowly to avoid the foam overflowing. It is also known as terremoto for children and is a common alternative in fondas during the Fiestas Patrias.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many calories does a Chilean terremoto have?
A Chilean terremoto provides approximately 400 kilocalories per serving, with 50 grams of carbohydrates and 45 grams of sugars. The caloric content varies depending on the type and amount of liquor added. The base of pipeño wine with pineapple ice cream is already high in sugars on its own.
2. What is the réplica of the terremoto?
The réplica is a reduced version of the terremoto served in a smaller glass after the initial cocktail. It follows the same recipe with a smaller volume of ingredients and is part of the ritual of Chilean fondas and bars during the Fiestas Patrias.
3. How do you make a non-alcoholic terremoto?
The non-alcoholic version is prepared with 2 to 3 tablespoons of pineapple ice cream and 300 ml of ginger ale or Sprite instead of pipeño wine. It does not contain additional liquor and is also called terremoto for children.
4. Why is the Chilean drink called terremoto?
The name comes from the 1985 earthquake. According to the most widely circulated version, German journalists covering the seismic event tried this punch at the El Hoyo bar in Estación Central and named the drink after the natural disaster they had come to report on.
5. What is the difference between the terremoto and the maremoto?
The maremoto or Chilean tsunami is a variation of the terremoto that incorporates mint liqueur instead of Fernet, grenadine, rum, or cognac. Its characteristic green color visually distinguishes it from the classic terremoto.
