Description

Aguardiente is a South American, sugarcane-based spirit similar to rum with ties to the early indigenous populations in the region. Today, aguardiente is Colombia’s national spirit and maintains a prominent foothold in the country’s drinking culture; the aguardiente market permeates much of South America and is slowly making its way into the U.S. craft cocktail scene. Basic Colombian aguardiente is quite simple, made from just sugar, anise, alcohol and water, and as such, has a slight licorice taste, high alcohol content and little complexity; accordingly, aguardiente provides an ideal canvas for other flavors, and locals tend to add fruit juice to balance out the sharp anise.