Terremoto

What is Terremoto?

Terremoto is a sweet, cold cocktail from Chile, built around white Pipeño wine, a rustic local wine, combined with a scoop of pineapple ice cream and a splash of grenadine syrup. The drink is typically poured into a large glass, where the ice cream floats and slowly melts into the wine, giving a creamy, fruity taste. The grenadine adds a touch of color and extra sweetness. The result is a refreshing, dessert-like drink with a playful character.

Where does Terremoto come from?

The custom of mixing sweet ingredients with wine in Chile dates back to colonial times, with drinks like Asoleados and Pajaretes. In the 1960s and 70s, bars in Santiago began adding pineapple ice cream to sparkling wine, especially for end-of-year festivities. The name Terremoto, meaning 'earthquake', is said to have come after the 1985 earthquake, when a foreign reporter, feeling dizzy after drinking it, called it an 'earthquake'. Several bars, including La Piojera and El Hoyo, claim to have played a part in its creation and spread.

How is Terremoto made?

To make a Terremoto, a generous pour of white Pipeño wine is placed in a large glass. A scoop of pineapple ice cream is added, and grenadine syrup is drizzled over the top. The ice cream melts into the wine, creating a creamy, sweet drink. Some versions use generic white wine if Pipeño is not available. The drink is served cold, and sometimes a non-alcoholic version is made with soda for children.

How and when is Terremoto eaten?

Terremoto is usually enjoyed in bars or at gatherings, especially in Santiago. It is often served in a 400 ml glass, and after finishing one, a smaller glass called a Réplica (aftershock) may follow. Larger jugs are called Cataclismo, and a single small serving is a Temblor. The drink is associated with casual, festive occasions and is often shared among friends. It is not tied to a specific meal or holiday.

Kinds of Terremoto

If red wine replaces white Pipeño, the drink is called Africano or Terremoto Africano. Bars sometimes offer other playful versions, such as the Tsunami, which adds beer and pisco to the mix. Non-alcoholic Terremoto for children uses soda instead of wine. The basic idea—wine with ice cream and syrup—remains the same, but the details can change from bar to bar.

What Terremoto means

Terremoto has become a symbol of Chilean bar culture, especially in Santiago. Places like La Piojera and El Hoyo are famous for serving it, and the drink is linked to stories and local humor. Its name and the playful terms for different sizes reflect a lighthearted approach to drinking. While not tied to a specific festival, it is a popular choice for celebrations and social gatherings.

Questions people ask about Terremoto

Good reading and sources

• Terremoto (drink) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data