Aguardiente is a type of alcoholic beverage that is popular in many Latin American countries, particularly Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The word “aguardiente” translates to “fire water” in English, and the drink is typically distilled from sugarcane, although other ingredients such as anise, fennel, and herbs can be added to give it a distinct flavor.
Aguardiente is a clear, colorless spirit with an alcohol content ranging from 29% to 60% by volume. It is often consumed neat or mixed with water or soda, and is commonly used as a base for cocktails. In some countries, such as Colombia, aguardiente is a traditional drink that is often associated with celebrations and cultural events.
Aguardiente Cocktails Recipes
El Diablo
- 1 1/2 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz creme de cassis
- ginger beer
- lime wheel for garnish
Instructions: In a shaker, combine the aguardiente, lime juice, and creme de cassis with ice. Shake well, and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Colombian Flag
- 1 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1 oz grenadine
- ice
- orange slice for garnish
Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice, then add the aguardiente, blue curacao, and grenadine. Shake well, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
La Chicha
- 1 1/2 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz passion fruit juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- ice
- mint sprig for garnish
Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice, then add the aguardiente, lime juice, passion fruit juice, and honey syrup. Shake well, and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Paloma Colombiana
- 1 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- club soda
- grapefruit twist for garnish
Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice, then add the aguardiente, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and honey syrup. Shake well, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Caipirinha Colombiana
- 1 1/2 oz aguardiente
- 1/2 lime, cut into small pieces
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ice
- club soda
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lime and sugar until the lime releases its juice. Add the aguardiente and ice, and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and top with club soda.
Aguardiente Sour
- 2 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- ice
- egg white (optional)
- angostura bitters
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine the aguardiente, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and, if using, the egg white. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a glass filled with ice and add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.
Coco Loco
- 1 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- ice
- grated coconut (optional)
Instructions: In a shaker, combine the aguardiente, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with grated coconut if desired.
Aguardiente de la Selva
- 2 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz green tea syrup
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- ice
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the basil leaves with the green tea syrup. Add the aguardiente, lime juice, and ice, and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a basil leaf.
La Pasion Colombiana
- 2 oz aguardiente
- 1 oz passion fruit puree
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1-2 dashes of Tabasco sauce (optional)
- ice
Instructions: In a shaker, combine the aguardiente, passion fruit puree, lime juice, honey syrup, and Tabasco sauce (if using). Add ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lime wheel and a passion fruit half.
El Matador
- 1 1/2 oz aguardiente
- 3/4 oz apricot brandy
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz honey syrup
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- ice
Instructions: In a shaker, combine the aguardiente, apricot brandy, lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange juice. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with an orange twist.
About Aguardiente
Aguardiente is a traditional alcoholic beverage that originated in Latin America, specifically in the Andean region. The name translates to “fiery water” in Spanish, which refers to its high alcohol content. Here’s some more information about aguardiente:
Origin: The exact origin of aguardiente is not known, but it is believed to have been first produced in the Andean region of South America during the Spanish colonial period.
Ingredients: Aguardiente is typically made from sugar cane, but it can also be made from other sources of fermentable sugars like grapes, panela, and agave. The production process involves fermenting the base ingredient, distilling it to increase its alcohol content, and then blending it with water to adjust the proof. Some varieties of aguardiente are also flavored with anise, cinnamon, or other spices.
Flavor and proof: The flavor of aguardiente varies depending on the type of base ingredient used and the added flavorings. Most aguardiente has a strong, fiery taste and a high alcohol content, typically ranging from 30% to 60% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Usage and serving: Aguardiente is typically consumed neat or as a component in cocktails. In many Latin American countries, it is a popular ingredient in traditional cocktails like the Caipirinha and Pisco Sour. It is also often consumed in shots, particularly in Colombia where it is a popular drink during celebrations and social gatherings.
Production and manufacturer: Aguardiente is produced in many countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Some well-known brands of aguardiente include Antioqueño, Nariño, Nectar Club, Cristal.
Variations: There are many regional variations of aguardiente, each with their own unique characteristics. For example, in Colombia, aguardiente is often flavored with anise and is known for its smooth and mellow flavor. In Chile, pisco is a type of aguardiente that is made from grapes and has a fruity, floral flavor. In Ecuador, aguardiente is often made from sugar cane and is known for its strong and pungent flavor.
Aguardiente can be mixed with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, juices, and sodas to create refreshing drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Soda water or tonic water
- Lemonade or limeade
- Ginger ale or ginger beer
- Coconut water or coconut milk
- Pineapple juice or mango juice
- Cranberry juice or grapefruit juice
- Tomato juice or vegetable juice
- Coffee or hot chocolate (for a spiked coffee or hot chocolate drink)
- Tea (for a spiked tea drink)
In addition to these options, aguardiente can also be used as a substitute for other spirits in classic cocktails. For example, you can use aguardiente in place of gin in a Negroni or in place of whiskey in a Manhattan.