Hello everyone! I’m Nicholas, an American living in the vibrant country of Colombia. I’m here to share my discoveries of some must-try beverages during your visit to this beautiful country.
Coffee – The Pride of Colombia
Let’s start with the obvious – coffee. Did that surprise you? Colombia, along with Brazil and Vietnam, leads the world in coffee production. However, the best beans often find their way to North America and Europe. Don’t expect to find high-quality coffee at laughably low prices in local Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or Cartagena. Here, you’re more likely to encounter medium-quality or even instant coffee. A noteworthy exception is the Juan Valdez coffee shops, akin to a Colombian Starbucks, or the Oma chain. Supermarkets might disappoint with their abundance of Nescafé and scarce high-quality beans. The reality is, the best Colombian coffee is usually earmarked for export, leaving lesser qualities for domestic consumption.
Tinto and Perico
Dive into the local culture with a Tinto – black coffee, or a Perico (also known as pintado) – black coffee with a splash of milk. Typically served in a small plastic cup, these drinks are a staple and vary in price depending on the city and neighborhood. Don’t miss trying Guarulo, a blend of coffee and panela water (solidified sugar cane juice), often with a hint of cinnamon, and Carajillo, a mix of coffee and rum, historically consumed by Spanish troops for courage.
Aguapanela – A Popular Choice
Next up is Aguapanela, a beloved Colombian drink made of water and panela. Often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon juice, it can be served hot or cold and is a common everyday refreshment. Spice it up with cinnamon and a dash of aguardiente to create a Canelazo, especially delightful on rainy Bogotan nights.
Champús and Lulada – The Unique Ones
Meet Champús, a curious concoction from the Cauca region. It’s a blend of lulo (or pineapple/guanábana), panela, maize, cinnamon, and cloves, served cold with crushed ice. Another Cauca specialty is the Lulada, made with lulo pulp, lemon, panela (or sugar), and plenty of ice – utterly refreshing!
Raspao o Cholao – A Sweet Treat
The Raspao o Cholao is a dream for sweet tooths. Found at numerous street stalls, it’s a mix of shaved ice, syrup, condensed milk, and fruit chunks.
Chicha and Sabajón – The Traditional Spirits
Don’t forget to try Chicha, a fermented maize-based drink integral to indigenous culture and increasingly popular in Bogotá. The festive season brings Sabajón, a creamy alcoholic beverage similar to Baileys, made with aguardiente, milk, eggs, and plenty of sugar.
Other Must-Try Beverages
Explore more with Masato, Aguardiente, Refajo, and unique regional drinks like Borojó, Chirrinche, Viche, Arrechón, and Tumbacatre – each offering a distinct taste of Colombian culture.
Discover More Colombian Delights
Ready for more? Check out my posts on typical Colombian dishes and the unique fruits of Colombia!