11 Colombian Drinks Not To Be Missed

There is more to a country than just its food, so while you're in Colombia why not trying a couple of unique and delicious drinks? 

Here's a list of 11 typical Colombian drinks that you should definitively not miss during your trip! 

Tinto

As you might know, Colombia is synonym for coffee, so while you're in this beautiful country I strongly advise you to enjoy a daily cup of it.

Tinto or tintico, as it's also called, is the most common type of coffee you'll find in the country. The rule is simple: hot water and off course, good coffee.

Chocolate con Queso

Chocolate with cheese in English. I'm aware this might sound a bit weird at the beginning, but just give it a try! Colombians love having a cup of hot chocolate with melting cheese in it in the mornings or whenever is chilly outside.

Agua de Panela 

Agua de panela or aguapanela is basically raw, unrefined sugarcane cubes melted in water. This drink is known to be a natural energizer among Colombians. It's served either hot or cold and sometimes with lemon juice. Either way it's delicious!

Mazamorra

Mazamorra is a thick corn drink prepared with milk and sweetened with panela - raw, unrefined sugarcane. Probably, the most interesting fact about this drink is how and where to buy it: You'll see some guys on the streets on a three wheeled bicycle carrying a huge food container where they keep the mazamorra. These guys will be screaming out loud '¡mazamorra!' and the only thing you need to do if you want to buy some is scream back ¡mazamorra!

Guarapo

Guarapo is sugarcane juice. Sugarcane stems are crushed to obtain its sweet and fresh juice. Lemon juice is often added to obtain a bit of a citric flavor. 

Lulada

Lulada is a typical drink from Valle del Cauca Department. It is specially known to be good in the city of Cali - capital of the department. It's prepared by combining cubes of lulo (a South American fruit), lemon juice, cold water and sugar to taste. It's perfect for hot days!

Pony Malta

Pony Malta is a non-alcoholic malt-based beverage. Colombians usually drink it in the afternoons while having a snack or with lunch.

Natural Fruit Juices

I believe one of the things that most surprises tourists in Colombia is the large variety of fruits we have all year round.

Fruits can be eaten as fresh snacks, but they can also be transformed into delicious juices. My favorite one is passion fruit juice. I love to have it mixed with milk instead of water. It's just mouth-watering!

My advice: Try as many as you can. Even those 'weird' fruit combinations are delicious! 

Refajo

Refajo is a mix of Colombiana (Colombian soda) and beer. It's typically served cold for lunchtime at family or friend gatherings.

Cerveza

Colombians have a unique way of drinking beer. Ask for a 'michelada' and you'll get a beer mixed with lemon juice served in a salt-rimmed glass. If you're not into citric flavors, just ask for a regular beer. I'd recommend 'Poker' or 'Club Colombia'. 

Aguardiente 

Last but not least, the Colombian national drink: Aguardiente or 'burning water' in English. This alcoholic drink is an anise-flavored liquor derived from sugarcane. It's usually drunk in shots, although you might see people at parties drinking straight from the bottle. Aguardiente will, for sure, give you a long night of fun. 

Well, I guess what's left to say is ... Cheers and ...

¡Viva Colombia!