5 Popular Drinks of South America

Bryan Cassidy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:51:11 +0000

To immerse yourself in a culture for a few days or a few months, you should taste the culture by knowing and trying favorite drinks of the locals. These popular drinks and national cocktails are well-known throughout South America and commonly found in neighboring countries. You can’t miss out on trying these drinks from street stands or bars if you find yourself in South America any time soon.

Caipirinha (Brazil)

This cocktail made from cachaça (obtained from sugarcane), sugar and lemon is the national drink of Brazil and has become widely popular outside of the country. The lemon can be substituted with fresh local fruit to give a sweeter taste (fermented sugarcane, sugar, and more sweet flavors!?).

Pisco (Peru and Chile)

Hint: If you are visiting Peru, please do not tell Peruvians that pisco originated from Chile, visa versa. This liquor is distilled from sweet smelling Muscat grapes which are commonly used for table grapes and raisns. The liquor is the main ingredient for a ‘pisco sour’ which also includes lemon juice, syrup, egg whites and bitters.

Mate (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay)

A caffeinated non-alcoholic drink similar to tea or coffee that is prepared by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water. Traditionally the drink is served from a shared hollowed-out calabash gourd and sipped through a metal straw. Do not complain about the temperature if you are sharing with locals as it can be considered rude.

Aguardiente (Ecuador and Columbia)

Mmmmm. Firewater. The flavors of this alcohol derived from sugarcane varies country to country but in Ecuador it is pretty much flavorless and served as a straight shot. In Columbia, aguardiente has more of liquorice (anise) flavor but is also popularly consumed by shot glass instead of mixed in a cocktail. Bottoms up!

Chicha De Jora (Bolivia)

This milky and sour light alcoholic beverage is necessity if you are attending any festivals in Bolivia. It is often made from yellow maize which helps give it a pale yellow color and a sour aftertaste. The drink can also be made from purple or black maize which is known as Chicha Morada which is commonly boiled with cinnamon and pineapple.