Tracks On The Rocks #5 - Colombia

Wrapping up our cocktail-filled tour of Latin America, our rhythmic steps lead us straight to pulsating and colorful Colombia.

And if there’s one thing Colombians are known to love, it’s a good dance party. Here are 3 essential Colombian drinks and their perfect music counterparts to feel the yellow, blue and red vibe.

Canelazo feat. Ondatrópica – Tiene Sabor, Tiene Sazón

A sure-fire way to get you warmed up after a dinner party on a chilly night, Canelazo is a spiced beverage, usually served hot, made by combining aguapanela (unrefined cane sugar dissolved in water), cloves, lime juice and cinnamon sticks, heated up and mixed with Colombia’s signature spirit, aguardiente — literally “fire water”.

You know what else will warm you up? Anything by Colombian supergroup Ondatrópica, with this classic hit in particular to get you started.

Together, these two will have you on your feet and ready to dance the night away in no time.

For 4 servings:

Pour 2 cups of water into a pot on a medium stove. When warm, add 3 ounces of panela and 2 tablespoons of white sugar and stir until dissolved. Once the water is boiling, add 4 cinnamon sticks and let the cinnamon infuse with the panela. If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use 2 teaspoons of the ground version. Let boil for about 10 to 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and add the juice of 2 freshly squeezed limes. Pour the infusion into 4 wine glasses and add 1 shot of aguardiente in each. Stir well and enjoy! If you wish, you can also add cloves or star anise to the mix, or use orange juice instead of lime.

Coco Loco feat. Bomba Estéreo: Fuego

The aptly named Coco Loco (that’s crazy coconut in Spanish) combines equal parts rum, vodka and tequila with coconut water, coconut cream and lime juice, served over ice — ideally in a coconut half, but we doubt you have that handy in your kitchen.

Best enjoyed to the sound of electro cumbia hit Fuego by Bomba Estéreo, this beach vacation in a glass will get you in the party mood real fast, so make sure to sip it slowly!

For 4 servings:

Combine 1/4 cup rum (or to taste), 1/4 cup vodka (or to taste), 1/4 cup tequila (or to taste), 2 cups coconut cream, 1 cup coconut water,andthe juice of 3 limes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in 4 ice-filled glasses (or fresh coconuts!), garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

Refajo feat. Joe Arroyo: Te Quiero Mas

An all-time favorite for asado barbecues across the country, this deliciously refreshing drink is made of equal pale lager and Colombiana soda combined with fresh limes and oranges, with aguardiente often added to the mix.

Equally beloved by all generations is national salsa legend Joe Arroyo, truly one of the greatest in the genre. Strap on your dancing shoes!

For 1 pitcher:

This one couldn’t be easier. Simply combine 1 liter Colombiana soda, 3 12-oz. bottles Colombian pale lager such as Aguila or Club Colombia, 6 oz. aguardiente and sliced limes and oranges in a chilled pitcher. No need to stir. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with extra lime and orange wedges if desired.