Colombia's National Spirit
Drink Like a
Colombian
The definitive guide to aguardiente — history, brands, cocktails, and the culture of guaro from Medellín to the coast.
Explore the Spirit
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The definitive guide to aguardiente — history, brands, cocktails, and the culture of guaro from Medellín to the coast.
Explore the SpiritAguardiente — literally "burning water" — is Colombia's anise-flavored spirit, distilled from sugarcane and woven into every celebration, heartbreak, and Saturday night across the country.
From the highlands of Antioquia to the Caribbean coast, each region stakes its claim on the best bottle. It's never sipped alone — guaro is poured in rounds, shared among friends, and toasted with a firm "¡Salud!"
In Colombia, you don't just drink aguardiente. You share it. Every shot is a handshake, every bottle a bond.— The unwritten rule of guaro
From Antioqueño to Cristal — a deep dive into Colombia's regional aguardientes, how they differ, and which one wins the eternal debate.
Read more →Aguardiente isn't just for shots. Discover recipes that turn Colombia's spirit into craft cocktails — from tropical to smoky.
Mix it up →Where to drink guaro like a local. Bars, fincas, and hidden spots across Medellín, Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena.
Find a spot →Every week we spotlight a new aguardiente cocktail — from classic Colombian twists to modern craft inventions. Easy to make. Hard to forget.
Dry shake all ingredients without ice for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake hard for another 15. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with bitters drops on the foam and a lime wheel.
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