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1. Aguardiente
This is unquestionably Colombia’s national
drink. No Colombian celebration (or ordinary
Saturday night) is complete without multiple
shots of Antioqueño, Nectar or Cristal – An-
tioqueño being the most popular brand by far.
Every South American country has its own
variation of aguardiente, but Colombia might
just be the biggest consumer of ‘firewater’.
Colombian aguardiente, or “guaro”, is derived
from sugarcane and flavored with aniseed.
Its alcohol content hovers around 29%, and
although it can be found along the length
and breadth of the country, it is most popular
inland. Inhabitants of the Caribbean coast
generally prefer rum.
2. Rum
Definitely the runner-up for the title of Colom-
bians’ favorite alcoholic drink. Local rum is of
a pretty high quality, and
fairly inex-
pen-
sive. Native
Colom-
bians
prefer
their rum on
the
rocks or neat, and Ron Viejo de
Caldas or Ron Medellin Añejo are
usually the top choices.
3. Beer
Also known as pola, chela or birra, Colombi-
ans enjoy a cold brewski as much as anyone
else. There is a wide selection of national
beers available, mostly lagers, including per-
ennial classics Águila, Pilsen and Costeña and
the more premium Club Colombia. In recent
years several micro-breweries have emerged
across the country to produce a variety of
unique, award-winning craft beers that are
definitely a must-try for any connoisseur. Tres
Cordilleras, Apostol and Bogotá Beer Com-
pany are three such craft brewers.
4. Refajo
This delightfully refreshing
concoction is made up of equal
parts beer and Colombiana soda,
a champagne cola somewhat
similar to cream soda. Refajo is
the preferred accompaniment at
any asado (barbeque) or a long,
leisurely Sunday lunch.