A Warm Welcome to Colombian Breakfast Culture
Have you ever wondered, what do Colombians drink with breakfast? Mornings in Colombia are more than just a routine—they’re a cultural experience filled with warmth, tradition, and of course, a delicious drink to start the day. Whether it’s a steaming cup of tinto (Colombian black coffee), a comforting mug of aguapanela (a sweet sugarcane infusion), or a thick, rich chocolate santafereño with melted cheese, Colombians have a variety of beverages that perfectly complement their breakfast. If you’re looking to explore Colombian flavors or recreate an authentic morning ritual at home, this guide will take you through the most popular breakfast drinks and how to enjoy them like a local.
If you’re a fan of traditional morning meals, you may also enjoy exploring different Colombian breakfast recipes, featuring delicious pairings with these drinks.
1. The Quintessential Colombian Breakfast Drinks
Colombian mornings begin with a comforting drink, and every region has its own preferences. Some people need their strong morning coffee, while others prefer something sweeter or more refreshing. Here are the most popular drinks Colombians enjoy at breakfast:
1.1 Tinto – The Heart of Colombia’s Coffee Culture
If you’ve ever visited Colombia, you’ve probably heard the word tinto. This isn’t red wine—it’s the country’s staple black coffee, served in small cups, often sweetened with sugar.
Why Colombians Love Tinto:
- It’s affordable and widely available, from cafés to street vendors.
- It provides a quick caffeine boost without being overpowering.
- It’s deeply ingrained in Colombian culture, often enjoyed while chatting with family or friends.
Tinto is strong but not bitter, and it’s typically served black. Unlike American-style coffee, which is often consumed in large mugs, tinto is served in small portions, perfect for sipping throughout the morning.
1.2 Café con Leche – A Creamy Start to the Day
For those who prefer a smoother, less intense coffee, café con leche is the go-to option. This comforting drink is made by mixing equal parts of hot milk and coffee, resulting in a creamy, slightly sweet beverage.
Why You’ll Love Café con Leche:
- It’s perfect for those who find black coffee too strong.
- The milk adds a touch of richness, making it a satisfying breakfast drink.
- It pairs beautifully with traditional Colombian breakfast foods like arepas and pandebonos.
Café con leche is commonly enjoyed at home, especially by families with children, as it provides a milder introduction to Colombia’s coffee culture.
1.3 Aguapanela – The Sweet Sugarcane Infusion
Not a coffee drinker? No problem! Aguapanela is a warm, naturally sweet drink made by dissolving panela (unrefined cane sugar) in hot water.
Why Aguapanela is a Breakfast Favorite:
- It’s caffeine-free and packed with energy-boosting natural sugars.
- Many Colombians drink it with a slice of cheese, letting it melt slightly for an added layer of flavor.
- It’s often given to children and elderly family members as a comforting morning drink.
Some variations include a squeeze of lime or a hint of ginger, making it a soothing option for chilly mornings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Want to explore more healthy breakfast drinks? Check out the healthiest breakfast pastry guide to pair with your morning beverage.
2. Traditional Herbal and Fruit-Based Breakfast Drinks
Beyond coffee and aguapanela, Colombians also love herbal infusions and fresh fruit juices to start their day.
2.1 Chocolate Santafereño – A Unique Take on Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate in Colombia is unlike anything you’ve had before. Known as chocolate santafereño, this thick, rich drink is often served with chunks of cheese inside the cup. Yes, you read that right—cheese!
Why Chocolate Santafereño Stands Out:
- The melted cheese creates a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor.
- It’s especially popular in Bogotá and the colder Andean regions.
- It’s traditionally served with almojábanas (cheese bread) or tamales.
If you’re visiting Colombia, trying this unique hot chocolate is a must!
2.2 Aromática – Herbal and Fruit Infusions
For a lighter, caffeine-free option, many Colombians start their day with aromática, a fragrant tea made from fresh herbs and tropical fruits.
Why Aromática is a Morning Essential:
- It’s hydrating and refreshing, perfect for those who avoid caffeine.
- Common ingredients include mint, chamomile, lemongrass, and even passion fruit.
- It’s a great digestive aid, especially when paired with a heavy breakfast.
This drink is particularly popular in wellness-conscious households and high-altitude regions where warm beverages are comforting.
2.3 Jugos Naturales – Fresh Fruit Juices
Colombia is home to an astonishing variety of exotic fruits, and fresh juices (jugos naturales) are a breakfast staple.
Popular Colombian Breakfast Juices:
- Lulo juice – Tangy and citrusy, perfect for a refreshing start.
- Maracuyá (passion fruit) juice – Sweet and tart, often blended with water or milk.
- Guanábana (soursop) juice – Creamy and slightly tropical, great with breakfast pastries.
- Mora (blackberry) juice – Rich in antioxidants and deliciously tart.
Most Colombian households blend fresh fruits with either water (jugo natural con agua) or milk (jugo natural con leche), depending on personal preference.
Many Colombians pair fresh juices with sourdough breakfast recipes for a nutritious start to the day.
3. Colombian Breakfast Drink and Food Pairings
Wondering what to eat with these delicious drinks? Here’s a handy pairing guide:
| Drink | Best Paired With |
|---|---|
| Tinto (Black Coffee) | Arepas, buñuelos, or almojábanas |
| Café con Leche | Pandebono, calentado (leftover rice and beans) |
| Aguapanela | Cheese, bread, or empanadas |
| Chocolate Santafereño | Tamales, almojábanas, or cheese-stuffed bread |
| Aromática | Light pastries or whole-grain arepas |
| Jugos Naturales | Eggs, tropical fruits, or pan de yuca |
4. How to Make Traditional Colombian Breakfast Drinks at Home
Want to bring a taste of Colombia into your kitchen? Here are two simple recipes:
4.1 Traditional Tinto Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground coffee | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar (optional) | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat water until it reaches just below boiling.
- Brew coffee using a filter, drip, or French press.
- Serve in small cups and sweeten if desired.
4.2 Aguapanela with Lemon
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Panela block | 1 small |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Lemon | 1 slice |
Instructions:
- Boil water and add panela until it dissolves completely.
- Serve hot, optionally with a squeeze of lemon.
5. FAQs: What Do Colombians Drink with Breakfast?
What is the most common breakfast drink in Colombia?
Tinto (black coffee) is the most common, followed by aguapanela and café con leche.
Why do Colombians put cheese in their hot chocolate?
It’s a traditional way to enjoy chocolate santafereño, creating a unique sweet-savory combination.
Are there caffeine-free options for Colombian breakfast drinks?
Yes! Aguapanela, aromática, and fresh fruit juices are excellent caffeine-free choices.
Are there caffeine-free Colombian breakfast drinks?
Yes! Aguapanela, aromática, and jugos naturales are great options.
Start Your Day the Colombian Way
Now that you know what do Colombians drink with breakfast, you can bring these delicious flavors into your own morning routine. Whether you prefer a strong tinto, a creamy café con leche, or a nutritious fruit juice, there’s a Colombian breakfast drink for everyone.
Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow food lovers!