Top 8 Colombian Alcoholic Beverages

Industria Licorera de Caldas (ILC) is a Colombian company based in Manizales, founded in 1905. It specializes in the production of alcoholic beverages, including rum, aguardiente, and liqueurs.

ILC is well known for its brands, such as Ron Viejo de Caldas and Aguardiente Cristal. The company is committed to maintaining high-quality standards and innovation in the production of its beverages.

ILC is also recognized for its contribution to the local economy and social development through employment generation and community support.Expand

Industria Licorera del Cauca is a state-owned industrial and commercial company based in Popayán, the capital of the Cauca Department in Colombia. Its products have gained international recognition, winning awards at competitions such as Monde Selection, confirming their quality and excellence.

As a state company, Industria Licorera del Cauca plays a key role in the economy of the Cauca Department, contributing to the development and promotion of regional products at both the national and international levels.Expand

Selva Gin is a Colombian distillery located in the historic city of Cartagena de Indias. Founded with the goal of creating authentic and high-quality spirits, the distillery combines tradition, local Colombian ingredients, and innovative techniques.

Selva Gin is the result of a collaboration between two passionate bartenders, one from England and one from Colombia, and a renowned Colombian chef. The distillery uses carefully selected local ingredients, including native plants and fruits such as corozo, fermented cacao, and limón mandarino, to craft products that reflect the unique nature and culture of Colombia.

Their meticulous production process is designed to highlight the rich aromas and flavors of each botanical. Selva Gin has received international recognition for its quality and innovation, earning numerous awards at prestigious competitions.

In addition to its commitment to quality, the distillery promotes sustainability and works closely with local communities, making it a model of modern approaches to traditional distillation. Selva Gin has become a symbol of Colombian spirit and innovation, attracting gin enthusiasts from around the world.Expand

Canelazo is a spiced beverage that is enjoyed in various parts of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina. Although there are different versions of the drink, it is usually made with a combination of cinnamon water (hot water infused with cinnamon sticks) and sugar or unrefined cane sugar (panela). The combination is then usually improved with a splash of South American aguardiente—a clear and potent spirit usually made from sugar cane. Common additions include fruit juices, other spices, while aguardiente is occasionally swapped with rum or the alcohol can be completely omitted. The drink is usually associated with Ecuador, and it is mostly enjoyed as warm winter drink. Expand

Bittersweet and refreshing, Refajo is a Colombian cocktail made with a combination of Colombiana soda, pale lager, and sometimes aguardiente as well. All ingredients are typically mixed together in a chilled pitcher without stirring. The cocktail is served over ice and it is often garnished with lime and orange wedges. Refajo is traditionally served as an accompaniment at asado barbecues throughout Colombia, where everyone has a glass of this refreshing drink in their hands while preparing copious amounts of steak, grilled corn, and potatoes.Expand

Caspiroleta is a warming alcoholic (sometimes non-alcoholic) drink that most likely originated in Peru, but it is also popular in Colombia. It is a type of eggnog made with milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and usually some kind of alcohol—most commonly rum, aguardiente, or brandy. The drink is cooked over low heat until it is thick and creamy. It is best enjoyed warm, and it is usually served dusted with cinnamon. In Colombia, the non-alcoholic version is often called candil. It is believed that caspiroleta originated as a warming recovery drink that was enjoyed as a health remedy. Expand

Aguardiente is a generic term used for various distilled spirits from the Iberian peninsula and Central and South America. In Colombia, aguardiente is a sugarcane spirit that is flavored with anise. The drink is enjoyed in the entire country, but it is mainly associated with the Andean region. The resulting drink is potent (typically around 30% ABV), smooth, and crisp. It has a herbal character and licorice licorice-like notes. It is usually served neat, traditionally in shot glasses. It is also sometimes incorporated into cocktails and long drinks. Expand

Hervido de Piña Nariñense is a traditional hot drink from the Nariño department of southern Colombia. It is typically enjoyed during the colder months. The beverage is made by boiling water with fresh fruit pineapple juices. The hot juice is mixed with aguardiente (anise-flavored liquor) before being served in glasses or cups garnished with sugar and pineapple slices. The drink can also be made without the addition of alcohol at the end of preparation. Expand

Colombia is a patriotic cocktail made with a combination of vodka, grenadine syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, and blue curaçao. In order to prepare it, vodka and fruit juices should first be mixed, then strained into a cocktail glass. Grenadine and curaçao are then slowly poured on opposite sides of the glass so that they sink to the bottom. When done properly, the cocktail should have a striking visual appearance of horizontal layers of yellow, blue, and red, matching the colors of the Colombian flag.Expand