What Is Aguardiente?
Aguardiente (pronounced ah-gwar-dee-EN-tay) is a broad category of distilled spirits whose name means “fiery water” or “burning water” in Spanish and Portuguese. It refers to alcoholic drinks made from local ingredients—most often sugarcane—and is enjoyed in various forms throughout Latin America and parts of Europe.
In Colombia, however, aguardiente has a more specific meaning. Colombian aguardiente is traditionally a clear, sugarcane-based spirit flavored with anise, giving it its distinctive licorice-like aroma and flavor. Often called guaro, it has become one of the country’s most culturally significant spirits.
Once considered a rustic or regional spirit, aguardiente is now experiencing a renaissance— with producers like Bacan Guaro embracing innovation, quality, and cultural pride to bring this storied category into a new era.
In fact, Bacan Guaro has become the most-awarded aguardiente in the world, thanks to the meticulous creation of bacan 24 and bacan 29.
Bacan Guaro 24% – 700ml
$49.99
bacan 24 is distinct for its alluring aroma – a beautiful blend of sweet anise and a subtle hint of citrus. Upon first sip, it’s silky smooth and inviting with black licorice and delicate herbal and floral layers, culminating with a calm and lingering spice.
Alcohol content: 24% ABV (48 Proof).
Bacan Guaro 29% – 700ml
$49.99
bacan 29 is an airy spirit. On the nose, a delightful combination of anise, black pepper, and rosemary emerges. The anise continues to the palate and is complemented by soft notes of citrus and ginger, concluding with a clean and refreshing finish.
Alcohol content: 29% ABV (58 Proof).
Learn Even More About Aguardiente: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we hear about aguardiente:
- Where does aguardiente come from?
- What is aguardiente made from?
- What is the ABV of aguardiente?
- What does aguardiente taste like?
- How do you drink aguardiente?
- What mixes well with aguardiente?
- Is aguardiente the same as rum?
- Is aguardiente the same as tequila?
- Is aguardiente the same as cachaça?
- Where can you buy aguardiente in the United States?
Where does aguardiente come from?
When 16th-century Spanish colonists landed in South America, they brought along their tradition and techniques of distilling beverages, leading to rum in the Caribbean, cachaça in Brazil, and aguardiente in countries like Colombia.
Aguardiente quickly became popular among the working class and indigenous people throughout the Andes, as it was inexpensive and easy to produce.
What is aguardiente made from?
Aguardiente is traditionally made from sugarcane juice, though molasses, fruit, or grain can be used as well, depending on the country.
Regional Differences Between Aguardiente
Here’s how aguardiente frequently varies between countries and regions:
- Colombia & Central America: Sugarcane flavored with anise or aniseed. These aguardientes are often slightly sweet and lower in alcohol. However, some Colombian aguardientes are made with molasses.
- Spain & Portugal: Grapes, leading to a drink similar to brandy.
- Ecuador & Peru: Sugarcane, leading to a strong, rustic drink with artisanal roots.
- Brazil: Sugarcane, leading to a product that is similar to Brazil’s popular cachaça.
- Chile: Grapes, leading to a drink similar to brandy and grape-based spirits.
As we’ll discuss momentarily, the alcohol content of aguardiente varies considerably by country and producer. Colombian aguardiente commonly falls around 24%–29% ABV, while other styles of aguardiente can be considerably stronger.
What is the ABV of aguardiente?
The alcohol content in aguardiente varies by the producer, though it can range anywhere from 24% to 60%.
What does aguardiente taste like?
Again, the taste of aguardiente varies depending on the producer. While some are surprisingly neutral, many are infused with herbs or botanicals. The most common is anise, which creates a distinctive licorice aroma and flavor.
How do you drink aguardiente?
In Colombia and other South American countries, aguardiente is often consumed as a “neat” shot, but high-end aguardientes are often mixed into exciting cocktails or sipped over ice.
What mixes well with aguardiente?
Some of our favorite aguardiente cocktail recipes include common mixers like:
- Lime juice
- Pineapple juice
- Passion fruit
- Coconut
- Soda water
- Ginger beer
- Citrus
- Simple syrup
Is aguardiente the same as…
Aguardiente is commonly confused with other popular Central and South American spirits. Here are some of the most common questions we hear:
Is aguardiente the same as rum?
No. While both spirits are commonly made from sugarcane, rum is typically made from molasses or sugarcane juice and aged or distilled according to specific traditions. Aguardiente is a broader category of spirits and, in Colombia, is commonly flavored with anise.
Is aguardiente the same as tequila?
No. Tequila is a Mexican spirit made specifically from blue Weber agave. Aguardiente can be produced from several ingredients, but Colombian aguardiente is traditionally sugarcane-based and flavored with anise, giving it a distinctly different flavor profile.
Is aguardiente the same as cachaça?
No. Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made specifically from fermented fresh sugarcane juice. Aguardiente is a much broader category that varies by country. Colombian aguardiente, for example, is typically sugarcane-based and flavored with anise.
Where can you buy aguardiente in the United States?
Aguardiente is quickly growing in popularity throughout the United States, and we’re systematically spreading it from one state to the next. Use our store locator to find Bacan Guaro—the world’s most awarded aguardiente—near you.
Try Aguardiente Today
To try the best of aguardiente, raise a glass of Bacan Guaro, an award-winning, premium aguardiente. Order yours today, or grab some of our merch as you prepare to celebrate with your family and friends.
