Top 17 Colombian Beverages

Café Granja La Esperanza is a leading specialty coffee producer from Colombia, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovative fermentation methods, and cultivation of rare varieties. Founded in 1945, the farm began its journey in the Valle del Cauca region with Yellow Bourbon, Red Bourbon, and Caturra varieties before expanding to estates such as Las Margaritas, La Esperanza, Cerro Azul, Potosí, and Hawaii. Their continuous research and refinement of cultivation and processing techniques have made them synonymous with premium coffee and precision fermentation. In 2007, they gained global recognition by growing the Geisha variety in Panama, which won first place at the prestigious Best of Panama competition. Their innovative approach includes specialized fermentation processes such as X.O and Napoleon, which enhance flavor complexity and unique aromas. Managing five farms, Café Granja La Esperanza cultivates exclusive varieties such as Geisha, Mokka, Laurina, Pacamara, Pink Bourbon, and Lupe Maria, adapting them to Colombia’s microclimatic conditions. Their dedication to sustainability and community support is reflected in their work with 12 coffee-producing communities, while their expert team with Q-Grader certification ensures top-tier quality in every batch. Blending tradition with innovation, Café Granja La Esperanza continues to push the boundaries of the specialty coffee industry, delivering a unique experience in every cup.Expand

La Palma y El Tucán is a Colombian coffee farm, mill, and eco-tourism destination, nestled in the heart of the mountainous Cundinamarca region, near Bogotá. Known for its pioneering approach to coffee production, this farm combines sustainable agriculture, innovative processing methods, and community engagement to create one of the most prestigious experiences in the world of specialty coffee. Their philosophy is based on the concept of symbiosis between nature and agriculture, where every element of the ecosystem is utilized in a way that promotes regenerative practices and biodiversity conservation. Coffee from this farm is distinguished by its unique flavor profiles, achieved through carefully controlled fermentation processes and meticulous cultivation under the shade of diverse vegetation. La Palma y El Tucán not only offers premium coffee varieties but also an unforgettable experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with the coffee production process through interactive tours, educational workshops, and stays in their luxurious eco-lodges. Their commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in advanced organic soil management techniques, water recycling, and the use of biodynamic methods that reduce ecological impact. With a strong focus on social responsibility, La Palma y El Tucán works closely with local farmers through its Neighbors & Crops program, providing them with resources, education, and access to international markets. Through a fusion of tradition, innovation, and sustainable development, La Palma y El Tucán redefines the way we experience and consume coffee, delivering premium-quality products while preserving nature and improving the livelihoods of local communities.Expand

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

Lulada is a cold, refreshing drink originating from El Valle region of Colombia, made with mashed lulos, lime juice, water, sugar, and ice. Lulo, also known as naranjilla in Ecuador and Panama, is an exotic fruit popular in Colombia. It has a light, citrusy flavor and it’s very common in Colombian cuisine. Lulada is the perfect combination of sweet and tart, has a thick consistency and can be served with a shot of vodka.Expand

Cholado is an icy cross between a fruit salad, a cocktail, and a frozen dessert. Also known as raspao, the beverage is prepared with fresh fruit such as strawberries, bananas, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, and maracuya, along with milk and a sweet syrup made with Colombian blackberries. Cholado has a perfect balance of aromas and textures, and it is considered both a dessert and a drink because it is crunchy, fruity, and creamy at the same time. It is typically served cold in a tall glass with a lot of crushed ice, then topped with shredded coconut and garnished with a cherry.Expand

Guarapo is a Latin American drink made from raw, pressed sugarcane juice mixed with water, ice, and lots of fresh limes. Most often, the vendors that sell it will extract the sugar cane juice right on the spot using a metal sugar cane press. The juice drips into a bucket below the press where it’s sieved before serving. It has a slightly sweet flavor, and it’s most popular in the summer as a cold refreshment. The word guarapo was first recorded in the 19th century by Esteban Pichardo, who defines it as a broth or a liquid made from sugarcane juice, extracted under pressure. Both the word and the procedure are still around after almost two centuries.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

Avena Colombiana is a creamy summer drink originating from Colombia. It is made from oats that have been soaked overnight before being simmered in milk and water, which are flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and a little sugar. The mixture is chilled for a minimum of three hours before it is blended and develops a smooth, creamy consistency. It is typically served cold with a light sprinkling of cinnamon on top.Expand

Aguapanela is a non-alcoholic drink mostly associated with Colombia but commonly found in several Central and South American countries. In its basic form, aguapanela combines water (agua) and unrefined cane sugar. It also commonly includes lemon and lime juice. This refreshing drink is usually served cold, preferably in an ice-filled glass, and garnished with a lime wheel. Sometimes, aguapanela is used as a base for hot chocolate or coffee. The alcohol-laced version is known as canelazo. In Venezuela, similar variety is known as papelón con limón.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

Champús is a traditional cold beverage that is also popular in Peru and Ecuador. It is made with dried maize, pineapple, mashed lulo (also known as naranjilla), panela, cloves, cinnamon, and orange zest or tree leaves. Refreshing and sweet, champús is typically served with a lot of ice and is considered a perfect summer drink. However, Peruvians traditionally consume it warm as a dessert, and in this version, lulo is replaced with apples. In Colombia, this beverage is consumed at any time of the day, but it is especially popular during the Christmas festivities, while in Ecuador, it is traditionally prepared for funerals.Expand

Mate de coca is a herbal infusion that is made by steeping coca leaves or teabags consisting of coca leaves in hot water. This ancient drink has been traditionally enjoyed to treat altitude sickness, and due to the small amounts of alkaloids, it is also regarded as a slightly energizing drink. Although they share a similar name, mate de coca and mate—a herbal infusion often associated with Argentina—should not be mixed up. Coca tea is widely available and legal throughout South America, but outside the region, many countries ban the import and consummation due to the link between coca leaves and cocaine.Expand

Masato de arroz is a fermented rice beverage from Colombia. The base is always made with rice, but the drink is versatile and can include various ingredients. It is typically prepared by blending water and soaked rice. The combination is sweetened, flavored with cinnamon and cloves, and left to ferment for a couple of days. Masato de arroz is best served well chilled and dusted with cinnamon. The drink pairs well with cookies and pastries.Expand