What Type of Alcohol Is Aguardiente?
Article Summary: Aguardiente is a clear spirit made from sugarcane juice, and it’s especially popular in South American countries like Colombia, where it’s commonly consumed during celebrations. Thanks to its anise flavoring, Aguardiente is most similar to ouzo (Greece), raki (Turkey), pastis (France), and sambuca (Italy). We love aguardiente, but we also recognize an important truth: Not everyone knows what it is. In fact, when we launch Bacan Guaro into new regions of the United States, we often work to educate locals on what it is and what makes it so special. To illustrate, check out this video we made on the sidewalks of Miami, when we asked random passersby how to pronounce “aguardiente.” If aguardiente is a new concept for you, that’s OK! Here’s what you should know: Table of ContentsWhat Type of Alcohol Is Aguardiente?Which Spirits Is Aguardiente Most Like?Aguardiente Vs. Tequila and Rum Is Aguardiente Similar to Tequila? Is Aguardiente Similar to Rum? Try Aguardiente For Yourself What Type of Alcohol Is Aguardiente? Aguardiente is a clear spirit commonly made from sugarcane juice, though other varieties exist. It’s closely tied to Colombian culture, but other South American countries have developed a taste for it as well. It’s become a popular Colombian drink, and some even call it the national alcoholic drink of Colombia. Which Spirits Is Aguardiente Most Like? We’re hard at work spreading our version of aguardiente across the United States (see our locations), but you’ll find similar drinks around the world. Aguardiente is most similar to: 1. Ouzo (Greece) – Under European Union law, true ouzo can only be made in Greece or Cyprus. Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif intended to be sipped slowly—not taken as a shot. Meant for social settings, ouzo is commonly served with shareable plates of regional cuisine, like olives, feta cheese, and seafood. 2. Raki (Turkey) – Like aguardiente, raki is a social drink, one that’s used during celebrations, holidays, and similar gatherings. And, like aguardiente, raki is closely tied to Turkey’s national identity (much like aguardiente is tied to Colombian culture). However, raki is commonly made from grapes or raisins instead of sugarcane, and it’s then mixed with aniseed. The resulting product is commonly 40%–50% ABV. 3. Pastis (France) – When France outlawed absinthe in 1915, local citizens searched for a legal alternative, and they created pastis. This strong drink frequently hits 40%–45% ABV, and the French often mix it with cold water. It’s commonly flavored with star anise, green anise, licorice root, fennel, and regional herbs, which gives it a flavor profile similar to traditional aguardiente. 4. Sambuca (Italy) – Italian sambuca is derived from sugarcane juice and flavored with essential oils from anise, resulting in another product that’s very similar to aguardiente. Sambuca is commonly 38%–42% ABV, which makes it comparable to many traditional aguardientes. Aguardiente Vs. Tequila and Rum Because aguardiente, tequila, and rum are all popularly associated with Central and South America, many expect aguardiente to be similar to tequila or rum. But that’s really not the case, as we explain below: Is Aguardiente Similar to Tequila? No. Although aguardiente and tequila are both popular clear spirits stemming from Central and South America, they contain a few critical differences. Two of the biggest factors: Is Aguardiente Similar to Rum? No, aguardiente is not similar to rum—though they both stem from sugarcane. As with tequila, rum features two major differences: Try Aguardiente For Yourself The best way to understand aguardiente is to try it for yourself. Order your first taste of Bacan Guaro by picking from Bacan 24, which offers a smooth, slightly sweet finish, or Bacan 29, which contains hints of pepper and floral notes. Be sure to check our map to find the location closest to you offering Bacan Guaro.
What Is Aguardiente Made Of?
Article Summary: Aguardiente is traditionally made from sugarcane juice. Continue reading to learn about the regional differences between aguardiente and the step-by-step process used to make it. Throughout written history, alcohol has been tied to human culture. That’s especially true in Colombia, where the history of aguardiente is closely tied to the Colombian people. You can’t overstate how integral the two are. As we’ve said before, aguardiente is to Colombia what beer is to Germany, tequila is to Mexico, and sake is to Japan. It’s a symbol of national identity. We’re fanatical about the quality of our aguardiente (Bacan 24 and Bacan 29), and that means we’re constantly focused on the quality of our raw ingredients—the things that actually make aguardiente. Continue reading to learn what aguardiente is made of and how it’s made. Table of ContentsWhat Is Aguardiente Made Of?How Is Aguardiente Made?Best Ways to Try Aguardiente For YourselfTaste Authentic Colombian Aguardiente What Is Aguardiente Made Of? Usually, when we tell people from the United States that we make premium aguardiente, the first question they ask is What is aguardiente? Well, aguardiente is a type of distilled spirit whose name means “fiery water” or “burning water” in Spanish and Portuguese, and it’s commonly enjoyed throughout Latin America and parts of Europe. Traditionally, aguardiente is made from sugarcane juice—though this varies based on where it’s created. A few common variations: How Is Aguardiente Made? Although the step-by-step process of making aguardiente changes based on region, here’s how it’s typically created: Producers also add pure spring water to dilute the alcohol to a more palatable level. At Bacan Guaro, we make 48-proof (24% ABV) and 58-proof (29% ABV) options, though some regions create aguardiente that could be as high as 45%–55% (that’s 90- to 110-proof!) alcohol. Best Ways to Try Aguardiente for Yourself 1. Aguardiente Straight Because aguardiente varies in ingredients, sugar content, alcohol levels, and flavors, one aguardiente can offer a very different experience from another. One could be thick and syrupy. Another could be light and smooth. One could burn. Another might offer floral notes that slip through the anise. You’ll find a wide variety of aguardientes out there, and each one offers a unique experience. One trick you can try: Raid your fridge before taking a shot. In some regions, people grab whatever fruit is on hand to chase their shots. 2. Aguardiente In A Cocktail Although aguardiente is often consumed as a straight shot in the middle of a celebration, we encourage people to slow down and savor the flavors. Premium aguardiente is something to enjoy. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to create a catalog of aguardiente-based cocktails. To get started, check out these five favorites that will also let you experience the many flavors of Colombia: 1. Jaguar Mule – Mix 2 ounces of Bacan 24, ½ ounce of kiwi syrup, 1 ounce of lime juice, and ginger beer. 2. Lavender Drop – Mix 2 ounces of Bacan 24, 1 ounce of lavender syrup, 1 ounce of lime juice, a lavender leaf, and purple-colored siphon foam. 3. Colombian Espresso – Mix 2 ounces of Bacan 24, 1 ounce of coffee liqueur, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 shot of espresso. 4. Spicy Guaromelon – Mix 2 ounces of Bacan 29, ¼ ounce of jalapeño syrup, 1 ounce of lime juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of watermelon juice. Coat the rim with Tajín before serving! 5. Guaro Lychee – Mix 2 ounces of Bacan 29, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, 1 ½ ounces of lychee water, 3 mint leaves, and tonic water. For even more, check out our roundup of 10 Aguardiente Cocktails You Need to Try. Taste Authentic Colombian Aguardiente Taste the best Colombia has to offer with Bacan Guaro, our smooth, premium-quality aguardiente. Try Bacan 24 (48-proof) for an ultra-smooth experience with a splash of refreshing anise, or try the bold Bacan 29 (58-proof) for a stronger bite with notes of pepper and a hint of citrus.
The 11 Most Popular Colombian Drinks You Need to Try
Article Summary: Some of the best Colombian drinks include aguardiente, café tinto, aguapanela, canelazo, kumis, lulada, avena colombiana, jugos naturales, champús, refajo, and chicha. We’re obviously biased, but Colombia is truly a beautiful country. With its culture and history stretching back thousands of years, it has emerged as one of South America’s most iconic countries, thanks in part to rapid growth and progressive ideals. Still, Colombia is a country rooted in tradition, and many of those traditions revolve around the colorful food and drinks native to Colombia, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Yes, Colombia is known as a global leader in the coffee trade, but it’s also a major producer of aguardiente, and it’s known for bold drinks like café tinto and canelazo. Today, we’ll explore the most common Colombian drinks, including some that have crossed the borders into other countries and continents. Table of Contents11 Incredible Colombian DrinksTaste the Best Aguardiente: The National Drink of ColombiaColombian Drinks Frequently Asked Questions 11 Incredible Colombian Drinks Here are a few popular Colombian drinks you should try: 1. Aguardiente Aguardiente is a rustic and traditional spirit that traces its roots back to when Spanish colonizers landed in the Americas. Commonly made from local sugarcane and flavored with anise, Colombian aguardiente has become a source of cultural pride for people throughout the Andes. And it’s become a major source of pride for us at Bacan Guaro, as we’ve worked hard to develop a super smooth, premium-quality aguardiente that’s become the most awarded aguardiente in the world. Check it out for yourself: Aguardiente (sometimes called “guaro”) is the most popular alcoholic drink in Colombia, where it’s often taken as a simple shot, though we can recommend some fantastic aguardiente cocktails if you’d like to add some extra flavor to your celebrations. And it’s not just Colombians who love aguardiente. Industry leaders—including Bacan Guaro—are spreading the love for aguardiente across the United States. Tip: If you’ve never tried aguardiente before, learn how to taste it like a connoisseur. 2. Café Tinto This Colombian take on black coffee has become part of the country’s lifestyle—which makes sense in one of the world’s largest coffee exporters. Café tinto is a strong black coffee that’s frequently served in small sizes—as small as four ounces at a time. Locals often sweeten it with sugar or panela (unrefined cane sugar, which offers a caramel-like flavor), and it is a common feature in the social structure of Colombia, often appearing during work breaks and while welcoming guests into your home, making it a fixture in the country’s hospitality. And don’t be surprised to see Colombians make their café tinto with aguapanela, which we’ll discuss next: 3. Aguapanela Aguapanela is a sweet and versatile drink popular throughout Colombia—and much of South America. Although it commonly starts by mixing panela in water, locals enjoy a few different variations: Thanks to the panela, aguapanela has a hint of caramel flavoring. Though it might sound strange, those who enjoy Augapanela hot sometimes add a chunk of cheese to the mixture, and they allow it to soften as they enjoy their beverage. 4. Canelazo Canelazo is a hot alcoholic drink found in Colombia and neighboring countries. While there are a few different ways to make canelazo, it’s most commonly a combination of: Some regions may also include fruit juice. For Americans, canelazo is similar to a hot toddy, which is typically made from liquor, honey, lemon, and spices. 5. Kumis Colombian Kumis is traditionally made at home by fermenting cow’s milk, creating a tangy, mildly sweet treat similar to drinkable yogurt. Kumis has grown in popularity and availability, and now it’s found in grocery stores throughout the country. While fewer and fewer people still make kumis at home, it’s still a popular option for a refreshing snack or a convenient breakfast drink. Note: In Asian countries, kumis is traditionally made from mare’s milk. 6. Lulada The city of Cali is best known as the world capital of salsa music and dancing, but it is also the home of lulada, a popular local drink. Lulada starts with lulo, a citrusy tropical fruit with a tart, refreshing flavor. To make a traditional lulada, one chops and beats the lulo fruit into a smooth pulp, and it’s then mixed with lime juice, sugar, and water. Like many drinks on this list, it can also be mixed with alcohol for a more exciting beverage. 7. Avena Colombiana Avena means “oats” or “oatmeal,” so, as you might guess, avena Colombiana is an oatmeal drink. It’s made by simmering oats, water, and spices like cinnamon, then combining with milk and sugar or panela. Avena Colombiana is frequently served cold, which makes it a refreshing breakfast drink. 8. Jugos Naturales Jugos naturales translates to “natural juices,” and it encompasses a wide range of fresh fruit juices popular throughout Colombia. These are commonly made by mixing fruit pulp with water or milk, then including ice and sugar as desired. Jugos naturales offers an exciting and colorful array of flavors, and some of the most common include: 9. Champús Despite its name, champús has nothing to do with shampoo. Instead, it’s a thick, fruity drink especially popular in southwestern Colombia, including the city of Cali (where lulada is also popular). Recipes vary, but Colombian champús is traditionally made with corn, panela, pineapple, lulo, cinnamon, and other spices. The ingredients give it a sweet, fruity flavor and a thicker texture than your typical fruit juice. Champús is often served cold and is particularly associated with celebrations, street vendors, and traditional Colombian cuisine. If you’re visiting Cali and already planning to try a lulada, consider adding a glass of champús to your list. 10. Refajo If you love beer and aguardiente, reach for refajo. Refajo is a refreshing Colombian alcoholic drink traditionally made by combining beer with Colombiana, a popular sweet, carbonated soda with a distinctive fruity flavor. The result is a light, bubbly beverage with less of the bitterness you’d expect
History of Aguardiente in Colombia
Discover the rich history of Aguardiente, Colombia’s national drink. From clandestine beginnings to cultural icon.