It’s finally arrived: Chilcano week 2013! This delightfully tangy Peruvian cocktail might have been overshadowed by the Pisco Sour as far as being Peru’s national drink is concerned, but that certainly doesn’t mean it can be overlooked. (Photo Credit: Musuk Nolte, El Comercio) Concocted of 3 basic ingredients – Pisco, ginger ale and lime – and with endless variations, the Chilcano is a popular hit at summertime, a refreshing accompaniment to the scorching hot sun that graces Peru’s capital. It’s a hugely popular drink at bars across the city, a local custom is to buy a bottle of pisco between friends and to prepare your own chilcanos into the wee hours. Chilcano week will entail much of what you might expect. Events are taking place across the city, with all sorts of ridiculously tempting promotions being touted by bars and restaurants. Peruvian paper El Comercio rounds up the offerings nicely, our hat tip is Mayta restaurant in Miraflores who offer a selection of macerated piscos serving as a base for different types of Chilcano. Coca leaf Chilcano? Passion fruit Chilcano? Spicy chili chilcano? It’s all possible. If you want to try a Chilcano in one of Lima’s best bars then you could perhaps be tempted by our Lima Bar tour. If you want to make one at home here’s how: CHILCANO DE PISCO 6 measures of good quality Peruvian Pisco (Quebranta variety recommended) 1 measure of lime Ginger Ale Ice Angostura bitters (optional) Add ice to the glass. Pour Pisco over ice. Add lime. Add Ginger Ale. Garnish glass with a slice of lime. Enjoy. Adventurous mixologists might like to experiment with: fresh ginger, macerated pisco.

Hilton recently announced the grand opening of their brand new Hilton Lima Miraflores, which began operation just this week, so yesterday we took the opportunity to visit the hotel to check it out. The grandeur of the lobby, with its extravagant crystal chandelier (imported from the Czech Republic) hanging from the ceiling, the big, bold colors and geometric designs, and the luxurious marble floors, were complemented by a warm greeting from the staff as we walked through the glass doors. Interior design genius Roberto Caparra, who also designed the beautiful and opulent Luxury Collection Tambo del Inca and Luxury Collection Paracas, chose gold, black, and iridescent colors to feature in the entrance and throughout the hotel, creating a lavish yet inviting design. The main lobby, with colorful and oversized furniture (that is as comfortable as it looks!), bright and exotic floral arrangements, and a small bar and lounge where guests can sit, relax, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, were also a pleasant welcoming and a good first impression to the newest addition to Lima’s luxury hotel scene. After exploring the lobby and the meeting and banquet rooms, we ventured upstairs to see a few of the 207 total accommodations offered by the hotel. Split into different categories including Standard, Deluxe, and Executive rooms as well as Suites, all rooms are sophisticated and modern and feature Hilton Serenity beds and linens imported from the United States, high-definition TV’s integrated into the wall to save room space, wireless internet access, and luxurious marble bathrooms with exclusive toiletries that incorporate Peruvian ingredients like the Amazon super-fruit camu camu. Deluxe rooms offer additional amenities such as a complimentary shoeshine service and iPod docks while Executive rooms feature excellent views and access to the sleek rooftop lounge, which offers guests a place to