Aguardiente Delivery or Pickup

Aguardiente literally translates to firewater. Aguardiente is a category of distilled alcoholic beverages that come from fermented fruits, grains, or sugar cane. For centuries, Indigenous peoples from Colombia, Peru, and Brazil fermented sugar cane or fruit to make what the Quechua people called Guarapo. After the explorer Christopher Columbus tasted the fiery beverage, he introduced it to his patrons in the Old World. The anise-flavored drink became quite popular in Spain and Portugal, and eventually, the rest of Europe. It's rarely found in the United States but is very popular in South America.

True Aguardiente is made from sugar cane, anise, and sometimes bamboo. However, similar to vodka, Aguardiente can be made from various fermented musts, vegetables, and grains like barley, millet, or rice. Aguardiente packs a powerful punch when it comes to its alcohol content, which ranges from 29-60%.

In Colombia, Aguardiente is the national drink, just as Mexico has tequila, Scotland has whisky, and the United States has bourbon. Aguardiente has a distinct anise or licorice flavor profile that some say is similar to the ouzo found in Greece, raki in Turkey, and pastis in France. 

Most Aguardientes come from the Andean region of Colombia, and some people compare it to another Colombian beverage, Cachaca. These spirits are made by fermenting sugar cane and then distilling it, which is similar to how rum is made. However, Cachaca has a rather bland last to it, as it doesn't have any other added ingredients. Aguardiente has added anise seeds, which gives it its distinct flavor.

Depending on where Aguardiente is made, the flavor profile will vary somewhat. The Aguardientes made in Colombia have a strong licorice flavor; those made in Brazil have more of a rum flavor. Those made in other countries, including Spain and Portugal, tend to have a more fruity flavor profile.

Several popular brands of Aguardiente include:

Most people drink Aguardiente straight as shots. The beverage is best-served ice cold. You can put Aguardiente into a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, shake it, and then strain it. You can also serve Aguardiente on the rocks, or if you prefer, with a splash of club soda or sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.