Aguapanela is a traditional Colombian drink made by dissolving panela in hot water. Its sweet, caramel-like flavor makes it a common choice for breakfast, afternoon snacks, and cool evenings.
In many Colombian homes, it is served hot with farmer’s cheese or costeño cheese added directly to the cup, where it softens gently in the warmth. It can also be served cold with lime juice as a refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- 250 g panela, grated or broken into small pieces (1 ¼ cups)
- 1.5 l water (6 cups)
Preparation
- Heat the water, pour the water into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Dissolve the panela, add the grated panela, reduce the heat, and stir until it dissolves completely. Simmer for 5 minutes so the drink develops a fuller flavor.
- Serve the aguapanela, strain it if the panela contains any impurities and serve hot in cups. For a cold version, let it cool completely and refrigerate before serving.
Chef’s Tips
- Use good-quality panela for the cleanest, most fragrant flavor.
- Adjust the panela amount depending on whether you prefer a lighter or stronger drink.
- Store cold aguapanela in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Traditional Variations
In Colombia, aguapanela with lime juice is especially common as a cold drink. It is also traditionally served hot with farmer’s cheese, costeño cheese, or fresh curd cheese.
How to Serve
Serve hot aguapanela in a large cup with farmer’s cheese or costeño cheese. You can place the cheese directly in the drink so it softens slightly.
For a cold version, add fresh lime juice and ice.
Recommended Accompaniments
- Colombian farmer’s cheese
- Costeño cheese
- Cheese bread
- Almojábanas
- Arepas
- Buñuelos
Did You Know?
Panela is made by concentrating and solidifying sugarcane juice. Unlike refined sugar, it keeps its deep color and distinctive sugarcane flavor, which gives aguapanela its unmistakable character.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Traditional aguapanela is made with panela, which has a deeper, more caramel-like flavor than brown sugar. Brown sugar can work in a pinch, but it will not create the same aroma or the characteristic flavor of Colombian aguapanela.
Yes. Let the drink cool completely, refrigerate it, and serve it over ice. One of the most common cold versions includes fresh lime juice, which balances panela’s sweetness with a bright tart flavor.
Farmer’s cheese, costeño cheese, and fresh curd cheese are traditional choices. The cheese should be firm and slightly salty so it creates a pleasant contrast with the sweetness of the hot drink.
