Popular Colombian Drinks: A Guide to Colombia’s Iconic Beverages

By Esteban Parcero •  Updated: 09/25/23 •  10 min read

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Colombian drinks offer a palate of flavors that are sure to tickle your taste buds. From Aguardiente, a sugarcane-based liquor with anise flavor, to the traditional Andean beverage – Canelazo, made from aguardiente and sugar cane, Colombia’s alcoholic beverages reflect their rich cultural diversity.

For those who prefer creamier delights, there’s the egg-based liqueur, Sabajon. Non-alcoholic favorites include the tangy Jugo de Tamarindo and refreshing Limonada de Coco.

Unique combinations like Champús, Salpicon de Frutas and Chocolate Santafereño are also among popular Colombian drinks. If you’re a coffee lover, don’t miss out on the classic Café Colombiano, or try traditional drinks like Guarapo, Masato and Chicha for an authentic taste of Colombia.

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Exploring the Rich Flavor Profile of Aguardiente

One of the most famed popular Colombian drinks is definitely Aguardiente. Popularly termed as “fiery water”, this spirit laced with aniseed transports you to a world of exotic flavors. Crafted meticulously from sugar cane, Aguardiente could be enjoyed both straight in shots or mixed up in tantalizing cocktails. Speaking of which, this smooth spirit serves as a key component in one more traditional Colombian drink – Canelazo.

Getting to Know Traditional Andean Beverage – Canelazo

Now that I think about it, the warmth and richness of Canelazo truly encapsulates the essence of Andean regions where it is extensively savored. The alcohol base traced back to Aguardiente amalgamates perfectly with its other ingredients, rendering a flavor profile that is hard to resist once tasted.

Enjoying a Creamy Delight with Sabajon and Other Alcoholic Drinks

The classification of popular Colombian drinks extends beyond fiery spirits and warming concoctions. For instance, we have Sabajon that mirrors eggnog in its creamy goodness but carries its unique charm. Prepared using eggs, sugar, and alcohol, Sabajon feels like an indulgent dessert. Similar experiences are offered by Refajo – a refreshing cocktail mix made from beer and Colombiana soda; Biche – an intriguing blend made from unripened sugarcane juice; Lulada – a fruity cocktail derived from the native lulo fruit; and Viche – an exquisite liquor distilled from sugarcane.

Quenching Thirst with Non-Alcoholic Colombian Favorites: Jugo de Tamarindo, Limonada de Coco and More

All things considered, the non-alcoholic spectrum of popular Colombian drinks deserves a special mention too. The Jugo de Tamarindo (Tamarind Juice) is distinct in its sweet-sour flavor profile and offers ultimate refreshment. That said, the tropical goodness of Limonada de Coco (Coconut Limeade) is another delightful choice, particularly loved in Barranquilla and Cartagena.

Discovering Unique Combinations: Champús, Salpicon de Frutas, Chocolate Santafereño

In the realm of unique beverages, Champús – a corn-based drink with added fruits like pineapple or lulo – captures attention. Similarly, Salpicon de Frutas serves as a fruity indulgence that is more like a liquid salad brimming with chopped fruit soaked in orange juice and topped off with soda or ice cream.

If you are someone who loves experimenting with flavors though, Chocolate Santafereño might interest you. This classic hot chocolate topped off generously with creamy cheese might sound strange but it’s an absolute treat to your taste buds!

Sampling Colombian Classics: Café Colombiano, Guarapo, Masato and Chicha

By the way,, any discussion around popular Colombian drinks would be incomplete without mentioning Café Colombiano. The global reputation of this rich coffee is attributed to its high-quality beans that yield an unrivaled flavor profile.

Moving on to Guarapo – a simple beverage made from pure sugarcane juice that could be equally refreshing; Masato – a creamy drink often made with rice, water, cloves, and cinnamon; and Chicha – an indigenous alcoholic drink made from corn. Each of these drinks holds its distinctive place in the vast Colombian beverage landscape.

In any case,, whether you are a visitor or a local, the diversity in Colombia’s traditional beverages – from fiery spirits to creamy delights; fruity refreshments to classic coffees – ensures an exciting exploration for every palate!

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popular colombian drinks

 

When planning your trip to Colombia, it’s essential that you sample the local popular Colombian drinks. As part of your travel itinerary, plan a visit to one of the many coffee plantations and indulge in some of the best coffee Colombia has to offer. After all, Colombian coffee is renowned worldwide for its quality and rich flavor.

Shopping enthusiasts should also consider purchasing some local Colombian beverages as souvenirs. When thinking about which things to buy in Colombia, don’t forget to include Aguardiente (an anise-flavoured liqueur that is widely consumed in Colombia) or a bag of top-quality Colombian coffee beans on your list – it makes for an authentic gift!

If you’re interested in understanding more about Colombian culture and lifestyle, diving into their drink customs can be insightful. A night out in Medellin could be the perfect opportunity to try some street-side Chicha or enjoy a cocktail in one of the city’s best bars during your exploration of Medellin Colombia nightlife.

Relishing the flavors of these popular drinks while gazing at beautiful landscapes adds another level to your travel experience. So why not take this opportunity when visiting Arvi Park, a beautiful nature reserve located near Medellin? Read our detailed guide on Arvi Park Medellin that includes tips and tricks on how best to enjoy this wonderful attraction.

Hola Amigo! I’m Esteban Parcero, your trusty guide to all things travel Colombia. Believe me when I tell you that one of the biggest joys of visiting Colombia is indulging in our popular Colombian drinks.

From rich, aromatic coffees to exotic fruit juices and a variety of spirited libations, the vibrant tastes are just an icing on the cake for anyone setting foot here.

Colombia’s Iconic Beverages:

Now imagine sipping on these popular Colombian drinks, while soaking up the warm Colombian sun and immersing yourself in our rich culture.

As your day ends with a spectacular sunset over Cartagena or Bogota and you find yourself holding a glass of rum-aged Ron Medellín or perhaps a bottle of our beloved Cerveza Poker beer, believe me friend – there’s no better way to understand Colombia than through its liquid delights.

So pack your bags. Embark on this journey with me and discover what makes my beautiful country – from our very own unique beverages to lush landscapes – truly unforgettable. Here’s raising a toast to adventures & unforgettable experiences, Salud!

 
 
 
 
 
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Before you go…

Sampling popular Colombian drinks like Aguardiente or Colombian coffee is just the tip of the iceberg when immersing yourself in Colombian culture. Planning your trip can be a challenge, but with our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip to Colombia, you will not miss out on any experiences.

Moreover, understanding the cost of your trip is essential. You can delve into details about what you might need to budget for your travel, including trying local drinks, by checking out our post regarding trip to Colombia cost. Enjoy rich flavors of Colombian beverages and make your journey a memorable one!

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Esteban Parcero

Esteban Parcero, a Puerto Rican, that has a deep connection with Colombia, which he considers his second home. He has been frequently visiting the country for over a decade, immersing himself in the vibrant culture, music, and cuisine. Esteban has made many friends in Colombia and particularly loves Medellín for its stunning landscapes, nightlife, and people. Through his travels, Steve has gained a unique perspective on Latin American culture and has become an advocate for promoting cultural exchange between different countries.