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 Contents
What Is Aguardiente Made Of?
How Is Aguardiente Made?
Best Ways to Try Aguardiente For Yourself
Taste 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:
- Colombia & Central America: This is the most traditional form of aguardiente, and it’s the type we specialize in. In Colombia and Central America, aguardiente is commonly made from sugarcane and flavored with anise or aniseed. In some places, you’ll find aguardiente made from molasses.
- Chile, Portugal, and Spain: Interestingly, these three countries primarily use grapes to make aguardiente, which results in a drink similar to brandy.
- Ecuador & Peru: Both countries rely on sugarcane, but it is a stronger, more rustic drink than what you’ll usually find in Colombia and Central America.
- Brazil: Brazil also uses sugarcane to make aguardiente, but the final product is similar to Brazil’s popular cachaça.
- Mexico: In Mexico, most producers use sugarcane, molasses, or agave as the base for their final product.
How Is Aguardiente Made?
Although the step-by-step process of making aguardiente changes based on region, here’s how it’s typically created:
- Step 1: Producers crush sugarcane to extract its juice.
- Step 2: Producers add yeast. Over time, the yeast converts the sugar in the juice into alcohol.
- Step 3: Producers heat the fermented liquid to separate and concentrate the alcohol.
- Step 4: Producers flavor the alcohol (often with anise) to give aguardiente its distinct flavor. This step allows for the most creativity, and it can help develop a distinct final product.
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.
