The Challenge
Aguardiente is Colombia's most consumed spirit, but outside of Colombia, it's surprisingly hard to find. The departmental monopoly system that controls production means export wasn't a priority for decades. Distribution infrastructure in the US and Europe is still catching up to demand.
The good news: it's more available now than ever. Aguardiente Antioqueño and Cristal have expanded their international distribution significantly, and online liquor delivery has made geography less of an obstacle. Here's where to look.
Online Delivery (USA)
The easiest way to get aguardiente in the United States is through an online liquor delivery platform. These services partner with local and national liquor stores and ship to most states (alcohol shipping laws vary by state, so check availability at checkout).
Drizly (now Uber Eats)
Drizly was once the best-known US alcohol delivery app, but Uber shut it down in March 2024. Its alcohol delivery now runs through Uber Eats (below).
Instacart
Instacart's alcohol category includes aguardiente, sourced from partner grocery and liquor stores in your area. Same-day delivery in most cities. Availability depends on what local stores carry, so results vary by location.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats has expanded into liquor delivery in many markets. Search "aguardiente" in the app — if a participating store near you carries it, you can have it delivered alongside dinner.
Specialty Online Shops
For guaranteed stock and wider shipping reach, dedicated online liquor retailers are your best bet:
- Blackwell's Wines & Spirits — Carries Antioqueño with nationwide shipping.
- Shop Wine Direct — Stocks both Antioqueño and Cristal. Ships to most US states.
- Wine-Searcher — Not a store, but a comparison engine. Search for aguardiente and it'll show you every store in your area (or online) that stocks it, with prices.
In-Store (USA)
If you prefer to buy in person, here's where to look:
Latin Grocery Stores and Markets
This is the most reliable physical option. Any city with a significant Colombian or Latin American community will have grocery stores or tiendas that stock aguardiente — usually Antioqueño, sometimes Cristal or Néctar. In Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and northern New Jersey, you'll find it in most Latin markets.
Look for stores that cater to the Colombian community specifically. Ask for "aguardiente" or "guaro" — if they carry it, they'll know what you mean immediately.
Total Wine & More
One of the largest specialty wine and spirits retailers in the US. Not all locations carry aguardiente, but many do — particularly in Florida and Texas. Check their website for store-level availability before making the trip.
Duty-Free Shops
If you're flying through Bogotá (El Dorado Airport), Medellín (José María Córdova), or Cartagena (Rafael Núñez), the duty-free shops reliably stock multiple aguardiente brands at tax-free prices. It's an easy way to bring a bottle home — and you're allowed to bring one liter per person into the US without paying duty.
Buy your aguardiente at the duty-free on departure from Colombia, not on arrival at your destination. Selection back home can be limited. Check the 1L limit for US customs — anything over that and you'll owe duty tax.
Europe
Aguardiente availability in Europe is more limited but growing. Your best options:
- Spain — One of the easier places to find it outside the Americas, thanks to strong Colombian diaspora communities in Madrid and Barcelona. Look in Latin American grocery stores in neighborhoods like Lavapiés (Madrid) or Raval (Barcelona).
- UK — Colombian community shops in London (particularly in areas like Seven Sisters and Elephant & Castle) may stock it. Online options are more limited due to import regulations.
- Netherlands, Italy, Germany — Spotty availability. Your best bet is Latin American specialty stores in major cities or ordering from a specialty online retailer that ships within the EU.
What You'll Actually Find
Outside Colombia, the brand selection narrows dramatically. Here's what you're most likely to encounter:
| Brand | Availability | Typical Price (750ml, USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Antioqueño | Most widely exported. Available at most retailers listed above. | $18–22 |
| Cristal | Growing export presence. Found at specialty shops and some online retailers. | $16–20 |
| Néctar | Limited. Mostly found in Colombian-specific tiendas in major US cities. | $15–19 |
| Others | Extremely rare outside Colombia. Blanco del Valle, Llanero, Caucano, etc. are almost impossible to find abroad. | N/A |
Can't Find Aguardiente? Stock the Bar Anyway.
Even if you can't get a bottle shipped to your area, you can get everything else ready for when you do. A good cocktail kit, the right glassware, and fresh limes will have you mixing guaro cocktails the moment a bottle lands on your doorstep.
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Know a store or online retailer we missed? Drop us a line and we'll add it to the list.