The Chilean terremoto is a sweet, potent cocktail made with white pipeño wine and pineapple ice cream — ready in 5 minutes and iconic for Fiestas Patrias celebrations in September. Traditionally served in a “potrillo” glass, it comes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions and spawns “réplicas” (smaller aftershock drinks) at Santiago’s historic bars.
Contents
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chilean Terremoto contains approximately 380 kcal, 48 g of carbohydrates, 42 g of total sugars, 6 g of total fats (4 g of saturated fats), 2 g of proteins, 15 mg of cholesterol, and 45 mg of sodium. (*)
How to make a Chilean Terremoto?
In any of its versions, the terremoto is a Chilean drink based on pipeño wine combined with pineapple ice cream as the main protagonist, but it must be consumed with caution to “not let oneself be carried away by the sweetness”.
Preparation: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
- 600 ml of white pipeño wine
- Pineapple ice cream
- Fernet (Bar La Piojera)
- Grenadine (Bar El Hoyo)
- Rum (Bar Las Tejas)
- Cognac (Bar Las Puntas)
Preparation
- In two large glasses, pour the pipeño wine until it reaches about ¾ of the interior height and add in each one three to five tablespoons of pineapple ice cream until filled.
- Finish with a touch of Fernet, Grenadine, Rum, or Cognac to taste and gently stir with a long spoon.
- Serve the Chilean terremoto immediately, usually accompanied by a straw for slowly consuming.
Terremoto Variations and Serving Style
The Réplica
In Chilean mixology, a “réplica” (aftershock) is the terremoto served in a smaller glass after the initial “earthquake.” It is the same cocktail at reduced scale — a tradition at Santiago bars to keep the seismic experience going.
The Maremoto (Tsunami)
The maremoto incorporates a dash of mint liqueur into the pipeño and pineapple ice cream, giving it a characteristic green appearance. It represents the oceanic wave that follows the seismic event.
Glass, Pitcher, and Serving Ritual
Traditionally served in a large, angled “potrillo” glass — the same vessel used for mote con huesillos. The pitcher used to refill it is called a “cataclysm.”
The Seismic Cocktail Scale
| Cocktail | Key Difference | Glass | Best Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terremoto | Pipeño + pineapple ice cream | Potrillo (large) | Fiestas Patrias |
| Réplica | Same recipe, smaller serving | Small glass | After the terremoto |
| Maremoto (Tsunami) | Adds mint liqueur, turns green | Potrillo | Adventurous drinkers |
| Terremoto sin alcohol | Non-alcoholic grape juice + ice cream | Potrillo | Kids and drivers |
History and origins of the terremoto cocktail
It is said that the origin of the terremoto is a cocktail that originated in the El Hoyo bar in Estación Central after the 1985 earthquake, as a variation of Roman punch.
It was at that time that some German journalists reporting on the catastrophe were received in the establishment with this particular punch, which after a few sips made them lose their balance and which they baptized as terremoto, because it produced the same sensation as when the earth trembled.
Other places in Santiago have also claimed the invention of this traditional cocktail, such as La Piojera and Las Tejas bars, each distinguished by the liquor accompanying the preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a “Réplica”?
A réplica (aftershock) is simply a Terremoto served in a smaller, reduced-scale glass. After finishing a massive first round, patrons at Chilean bars traditionally order a réplica to keep the seismic experience going without overdoing it.
2. What differentiates the toppings at historic bars?
The topping defines the bar’s signature style. El Hoyo traditionally uses a sweet splash of bright red grenadine. La Piojera uses bitter Fernet to cut down the sweetness. Las Tejas opts for a kick of rum, and Las Puntas crowns it with cognac.
3. What is a “Maremoto”?
A maremoto (tsunami) is a popular variation where a splash of bright green mint liqueur is layered into the pipeño and pineapple ice cream base. It gives the cocktail an oceanic green color and a fresh, herbal finish.
4. Can I make a non-alcoholic Terremoto?
Absolutely. To make a Terremoto sin alcohol (perfect for children or designated drivers), replace the pipeño wine with cold, sweet white grape juice or ginger ale, keep the pineapple ice cream, and top with grenadine.
5. What is a “Cataclysm”?
In traditional Chilean tavern slang, when a group wants to share, they order a large pitcher of the mix instead of individual glasses. This large-format sharing pitcher is known as a cataclismo (cataclysm).
Did you know?
The original pipeño is a wine made from muscatel grapes, which grow from the VI region of Chile southward, and which takes its name from the fermentation and storage process, which is carried out in “pipas” or barrels made of Chilean oak, recognized as a wine with Denomination of Origin in 2023.
