Colombian drinks that will make your heart melt

The ultimate Colombian drinks

Colombian drinks for adults: Aguardiente

Also known as “guaro”, this is one of the most traditional and recognized Colombian drinks. Aguardiente is a distillate of sugar cane and anise. It is a very strong liquor that, without any doubt, will turn up the heat. This beverage is known for being super strong, so we recommend that you try the unsweetened version. But this drink is also used in other recipes. It works well in desserts and cocktails due to the anise notes that it provides. So, it is easy to find it one form or another.

You will find this drink almost everywhere. However, it is very common to find it near tejo (a very popular throwing sport in the country) fields. It is also easy to spot in almost every little town you visit. So, if you are thinking of visiting this neck of the woods, there is no escape from trying this Colombian drink; but, do not overdo it, the hangover can be vicious.

Chicha

You have probably heard about this drink in other parts of the continent. Basically, it is made from the fermentation of different grains (corn and cereals). But, for centuries it has been part of the variety of Colombian drinks.

Depending on the region in which it is prepared, this drink can be fermented with pineapple or cassava; this, as well as the time of fermentation, determines how strong it gets.

It is consumed in large quantities by locals and foreigners in the Andes. So, in Bogotá for example, you can find it in places like La Candelaria, especially in Chorro de Quevedo. Taste a little bit of the Colombian culture, gastronomy and tradition.

Colombian drinks for all ages

Lulada: the perfect mix of sweet and sour

This fresh and delicious drink is perfect to drink in hot weather. It is suitable for all ages, since it is made from fruit. Lulada is one of the most traditional Colombian drinks. It comes from the Valle del Cauca region and is made from lulo – a sour fruit – lime, sugar and tons of ice.

You might think this is just juice but what makes it different is that the beverage is not blended. Instead, the fruit is squeezed to get out all the flavor and whole pieces of fruit are left in it. So, when you taste it you will not only get the freshness and the sour taste, but you will also enjoy delicious pieces of fruit.

In some variations, the beverage could include liquors or milk, but that is up to you.

Aguapanela: hot and cold

This is one of the most well-known Colombian drinks. It is a mix of sweet and sour and goes perfectly with hot and cold. Aguapanela is prepared using two ingredients: sugar cane ­– which is a very traditional ingredient that is used as a sweetener in juices, drinks and even cocktails – and tons of lemon, which gives the sour flavor to balance the sweetness.

The preparation of the drink is quite easy and only requires mixing hot or cold water, depending on what you like, with a piece of sugar cane and as much lemon as you want. It is the perfect way to warm up on a cold night or to refresh yourself on a very hot day. This drink is so traditional in the Colombian culture that it is also used to treat colds.

Champús: some of the best of Cali

This is another delicious drink which originated in Valle del Cauca and, as well as Lulada, is an iconic element of their gastronomic tradition. Champús usually has a base of sugar cane but this sometimes varies between rice, corn and pineapple skins. Its ingredients include citric fruit pulp, molasses (melado de panela), corn and pineapple, and it goes best with a garnishing of cinnamon and cloves. It is usually served with tons of ice and is the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

Two Colombian drinks in one: Raspado and Cholao

Raspado is one of those Colombian drinks you must try on a hot summer day. It is a mix of shaved ice, syrup from your favorite fruits and sweetened milk. This refreshing dessert will make your day.

But there is a famous variation to Raspado called Cholao, which is made in Cali. This Colombian dessert is the same mix of ice and syrup along with some chopped fruit, sweetened milk and sometimes even chocolate powder. The greatest thing about this drink is that you can ask for almost any fruit: strawberry, mango, pineapple, papaya, lulo, guanabana, banana, apple, and the list goes on. To top it off, some people add wafer cookies.

You can find both Raspado and Cholao practically everywhere, but in the case of Raspado, the one prepared in cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla, it has its own twist. They add some typical flavors from the region like cola or tamarind to combine sour and sweet.