For a few weeks now, I’ve been on a roll, making lists of traditional Colombian cuisine, so you can just click ‘print’ and check off each dish off your to-do list when you visit Colombia. This post wraps up the meal experience along with 13 Must-Try Traditional Colombian Foods, and Try these 11 Traditional Colombian Desserts At Your Own Risk.
**If you’re still curious about Colombian food, sign up for an unforgettable Colombian cooking class experience in Bogota!**
I’m a big fan of red wine, and I love to have my glass at every meal (except breakfast…unless it’s already 11:45am 😉 ) However, after a bit of investigation regarding the wine market in Colombia, wine prices have no intention of dropping any time soon.
Therefore, while in Colombia, I suggest you skip the $14,000 COP glass of fermented grape juice and opt for typical Colombian drinks instead.
Each Colombian drink has its time of the day; some accompany snacks and breakfast, while others are drunk solo, or at night only.
To wash down your meal, check out these with 15 Typical Colombian Drinks you’ll find in Bogota. Some are alcoholic, others are not. Colombians tend to save alcoholic beverages for social gatherings, unlike other cultures where individuals enjoy a glass solo.
Please note that other cities in Colombia might have other specialties I don’t know about. If so, don’t hesitate to share which ones I missed in the comment box below!
1. MAZAMORRA
Credit to IG @juanmaprado1
A mushy Colombian corn drink. Typically drunk for lunch or dinner. You’ll find these guys in the street speaking through some kind of loudspeaker saying “MAZAMORRA . fjhd$%$%Kdjf4SS%$#@ MAZAMORRA!”
2. GUARAPO
Credit to IG @cubamaxtravel
This Colombian drink is slightly fermented sugarcane juice. If left to ferment a bit longer, you get aguardiente.
3. MASATO
Many Colombian drinks seem to be slightly fermented. Masato is another fermented rice drink with cinnamon. Accompanies a snack or breakfast. I had one this morning and took the picture just for you guys!
4. CHOCOLATE CON QUESO
Chocolate con queso Credit to IG @Tefylokura
Served for breakfast or onces (5pm snack) This Colombian drink is heavy enough to be a meal! Chocolate con queso is typically accompanied by a fried/baked cheesy bread, arepa or tamal. Colombians take the cheese and pop it in their cup of chocolate and enjoy once melted.
5. CHICHA
Credit to IG @anisanisboom
And yet another Colombian fermented corn drink. However, regional chicha ingredients can also include maize, yuca, quinoa, pineapple, rice, and potatoes.
6. JUICES
Credit to IG @pajaritorojo
The ultimate Colombian drink: fruit juice! With Colombia’s extensive variety of fruits, you’ve got enough choice to try a new fruit juice every day for a month! Guanabana, lulo, feijoa, mora, the list goes on and on and on…and on. I’ve never seen another place in the world that has the fruit selection Colombia does! Most juices can be mixed with water or milk. Delicioso!
7. PONY MALTA
Credit to IG @djraul_liv
Like rootbeer, this Colombian drink is a malt-based soda.
8. LA POLA
Beer is beloved here as in a lot of other places. It’s usually blonde, but there’s a lot of breweries who produce tasty batches too.
9. REFAJO
Credit to IG @caferacermn
It doesn’t get more Colombian than this. Refajo is a mix of Colombina (Colombian soda that tastes like bubble gum) with beer. This typical Colombian drink is commonly served for lunchtime at gatherings.
10. RUM
Credit to IG @ferch004
World renown and loved by many, rum is another liquor derived from sugarcane and produced in Colombia.
11. AGUARDIENTE
Aguardiente Antioqueño. Credit to IG_andres_me_now35_
The national Colombian drink. Aguardiente is an anise-flavored liquor derived from sugar cane. Usually drunk in shots, this drink ensures a long night of fun.
12. AGUA DE PANELA
Credit to IG @adelitasempanadas
Raw, unrefined sugarcane cubes melted in hot water. This Colombian drink is typically served for those who are down with a cold. I don’t quite understand how how it cures a cold, but it just does.
13. CANELAZO
Credit to IG @ajaberin
I have no idea what is the appropriate time to have a canelazo but I’ve seen stalls set up in Usaquen on Sunday mornings at 9am. There’s a few recipes out there but it’s essentially spiced agua de panela with aguardiente. Definitely one of my favorite Colombian drinks out there!
14. CAFE
Well yes, I am speaking about Colombia, a major producer of coffee. And although they say the best coffee is not in Colombia as the best grains get exported, I still think you ought to try a cup while in town. I’m no coffee expert, but I’ve been quite happy!
15. AROMATICA
Credit to IG @dilomtr
I’m a huge fan of herbal teas and infusions, and I personally find that Colombians do it best in this field. Often made with fresh herbs, berries, and even fruits, no two aromaticas are the same. I find that OMA does it particularly well. Another favorite Colombian drink of mine.
Remember that this article is Bogota-oriented. So if I left out traditional Colombian drinks found in another region, don’t hesitate to share which one I missed in the comment box below!
And my number one question as always: does ‘salpicon’ count? I mean, it’s basically a chunky smoothie 😉
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