There’s something about a Terremoto that instantly feels like a celebration. This bold and refreshingly sweet Chilean cocktail mixes chilled wine and pineapple ice cream into a drink that’s as fun to make as it is to sip. It’s known to sneak up on you—hence the name “Terremoto,” which means “earthquake” in Spanish. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: don’t skip the chill on the glass—it really makes a difference.
Terremoto
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 generous glass (can be doubled or scaled up)
Glass type: Half-liter glass or large wine glass
Ingredients
– 1 cup (240 ml) chilled Pipeño wine (or dry white wine as a substitute)
– 2 scoops pineapple ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
– A dash of grenadine (about 1–2 teaspoons)
– A splash of Fernet (optional, for a bitter edge)
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes while you gather your ingredients. This helps keep your Terremoto nice and cold without diluting it with ice.
- Pour the wine. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of chilled Pipeño or white wine into your glass. Pipeño is a traditional Chilean fermented wine—it’s slightly sweet and rustic. If you can’t find it, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well too.
- Add the ice cream. Gently place two scoops of pineapple ice cream into the wine. Don’t stir too much—you want the ice cream to slowly melt into the wine, creating a creamy, fizzy layer.
- Drizzle the grenadine. Pour a dash of grenadine over the top. It adds a pop of color and a sweet finish that balances the tang from the wine.
- Optional: Add Fernet. If you like a bitter kick, add a splash of Fernet. Start small—you can always add more. It gives the drink a more complex edge.
- Serve right away. Give it a gentle stir if needed, and enjoy while it’s cold and creamy.
Tips & Tricks
– Don’t skip the chill: A cold glass keeps everything frosty and fresh without watering things down.
– Adjust sweetness: Too sweet? Use less grenadine or go for a drier wine. Too tart? Add a little more ice cream or syrup.
– No pineapple ice cream? Mango, coconut, or even lemon sorbet can be fun swaps.
– Can’t find Pipeño? Any slightly sweet white wine will do. Just avoid heavily oaked or buttery wines like Chardonnay.
Make-Ahead Notes
This is best made fresh, but you can chill the wine and prep your glasses ahead of time. If you’re serving a crowd, scoop the ice cream into glasses and freeze them, then add the wine and grenadine just before serving.
Storage
Once made, the Terremoto doesn’t store well—ice cream and wine aren’t the best combo for leftovers. Make just what you need and enjoy it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Terremoto is great for backyard BBQs, summer parties, or even a cozy winter gathering (see the variations below). I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner treats—pair this with grilled shrimp skewers or a light fruit tart. The contrast is delicious.
Recipe Variations
Summer Breeze Terremoto
– Swap Pipeño for white wine
– Use mango ice cream
– Add a slice of fresh mango for garnish
Winter Warmer Terremoto
– Use peach ice cream
– Add a cinnamon stick for a warm aroma
– Optional splash of spiced rum
Forest Fruits Terremoto
– Use berry sorbet instead of pineapple ice cream
– Add a splash of blackberry liqueur
– Garnish with frozen berries
Virgin Terremoto
– Replace wine with sparkling white grape juice
– Use non-dairy pineapple sorbet for a lighter version
– Keep the grenadine for color and sweetness
Food Pairings
– Spicy appetizers: The cool, sweet drink balances out heat from dishes like jalapeño poppers or spicy empanadas.
– Seafood: Try it with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or calamari.
– Light desserts: Fruit tarts, sorbets, or even a simple bowl of berries work perfectly.
FAQ
Can I make it without ice cream?
You can, but it won’t be quite the same. The ice cream adds the creamy texture and signature flavor. Try a dairy-free sorbet if needed.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! Use sparkling grape juice instead of wine for a fun, family-friendly version.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Play with the amount of grenadine or try using a fruit syrup like raspberry or cherry. You can also use less sweet wine.
When’s the best time to serve a Terremoto?
It’s a crowd-pleaser at summer parties, but with the right ice cream (like peach or cinnamon), it’s also great in cooler months.
Can I use different wines?
Yes! Try different dry or semi-sweet whites to see what you like. Just steer clear of anything too heavy or oaky.
Is it suitable for kids?
The classic Terremoto is alcoholic, but the Virgin version is a great alternative for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
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Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot day or toast with something a little different, the Terremoto is a fun, easy cocktail with a whole lot of charm. Try it your way, and don’t be afraid to play with the flavors—once you’ve had one, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved favorite.
