Colombian drinks range from ancestral recipes to modern interpretations. Rather than focusing on excess sweetness, these beverages often highlight natural ingredients, texture, and functionality.

Many traditional drinks are made from corn, grains, fruits, and panela (unrefined cane sugar), designed to nourish or provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Here are the 5 Colombian drinks you should try:

Fresh Fruit Juices

Colombia has a tropical fruit variety. With fruits like lulo (naranjilla), guanábana (soursop), maracuyá (passion fruit), and mora (Andean blackberry), they’re refreshing and affordable.

You can tell it’s good quality by:

✔️ Fruit blended or pressed on the spot
✔️ Bright, natural color
✔️ No artificial syrups

Can be found at:

• Juice carts
• Plaza vendors
• Street stands
• Food kiosks
• Ice cream and dessert carts
• Beachfront stalls
• Bakeries
• Eateries

When in Cartagena, you can taste fresh fruit juices at Portal de los Dulces.

Avena

Blended with milk, oats, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, avena is often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast drink. It’s popular with families, especially for kids.

You can tell it’s good quality by:

✔️ Smooth, creamy texture
✔️ Mild sweetness
✔️ Served cold and freshly mixed

Can be found at:

• Plaza vendors
• Evening street drink carts
• Neighborhood food stalls
• Night food markets
• Stands near parks and churches

The stands on Plaza de la Trinidad offer the best avena.

Canelazo

Made with aguardiente (an anise-flavored spirit), sugar, and cinnamon, it’s a traditional hot beverage that combines sweetness and spice with a kick of alcohol. It’s commonly served during festivals.

You can tell it’s good quality by:

✔️ Served hot
✔️ Strong cinnamon aroma
✔️ Balanced sweetness and warmth

Can be found at:

• Night street stands
• Traditional bars
• Evening plaza vendors
• Pop-up stalls during local events
• Street carts

In Cartagena, Café Havana is the best spot to try canelazo.

Aguapanela

A classic in Colombian homes, aguapanela is made by dissolving unrefined cane sugar (panela) in hot water, sometimes enhanced with lemon or cheese. Aguapanela is often the go-to energy booster for workers and students.

You can tell its good quality by:

✔️ Deep panela flavor
✔️ Light sweetness
✔️ Served hot or cold, never watery

Can be found at:

• Street drink carts
• Plaza vendors
• Food kiosks
• Small neighborhood stands
• Early-morning street stalls

The street vendors at Plaza de los Coches offer a perfect aguapanela.

Colombian Coffee

Colombia is one of the world’s leading coffee producers. Beyond enjoying a traditional “tinto” (a small, strong black coffee), visitors can also explore coffee tours in regions like the Coffee Triangle and learn about the harvesting process.

You can tell its good quality by:

✔️ Freshly brewed coffee
✔️ Rich aroma
✔️ No burnt or bitter taste

Can be found at:

• Traditional cafés
• Coffee kiosks
• Street coffee carts
• Bakeries
• Small neighborhood coffee shops
• Stands near plazas and parks

To try a tinto, visit Café San Alberto Cartagena, one of the most highly rated places in Cartagena for premium Colombian coffee.

Cook With Us

Want to experience the flavors firsthand? Why not step into a Colombian kitchen yourself?

Our food tours in Colombia offer immersive cooking classes for travelers, where you’ll prepare traditional dishes with local ingredients inside a local’s kitchen.

Book your spot with Cook in Colombia and bring home Colombia’s vibrant tastes.