Agua de Panela: Colombian Sugarcane Drink (Guarapo Costeño)

Agua de Panela (also known as aguapanela, guarapo costeño, or limonada de panela) is arguably the most popular and widely consumed beverage in all of Colombia. Its perfectly sweet and refreshing flavor makes it the absolute favorite drink for millions of households.

The secret to this simple 15-minute recipe is its incredible versatility, adapting to the climate and customs of each region. On the hot Caribbean coast, it is almost exclusively served ice-cold with lemon during lunch hours, whereas in the chilly Andean mountains, it is traditionally served piping hot for breakfast!

Panela Water (Agua de Panela)

Colombia's beloved, everyday sweet drink! A simple, refreshing beverage made from dissolved unrefined cane sugar, enjoyed hot or ice-cold.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Bebidas

Cuisine Colombian, Latin American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 Liter Water
• 1 Block Panela Unrefined cane sugar
• 5 Lemons or Limes Optional, for fresh juice

Instructions

 

Option 1 (The Hot/Boiling Method)

• Boil the base: Break the block of panela into several smaller pieces. Place them into a pot with the water and cook over heat until the sugar block is completely dissolved.
• Flavor and serve: Once dissolved, you can add the fresh lemon juice if desired. You can serve it hot or let it chill to drink it cold! (Chef’s Hack: If you want a spiced version, you can boil the panela alongside cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves!)

Option 2 (The Cold/Stirred Method)

• Soak and stir: Place the block of panela directly into a pitcher with the cold water and the fresh lemon juice.
• Dissolve and serve: Stir the mixture vigorously (or let it sit and soak) until the panela is completely dissolved into the water. Proceed to serve it over plenty of ice for a refreshing guarapo costeño!

Video

Notes

• A Name for Every Region: This exact same beverage takes on many different names depending on where you are! It is widely known as limonada de panela, agua de piloncillo, aguapanela, or guarapo costeño.
• International Ingredient: While a staple in Colombia, the unrefined cane sugar block is used heavily across Latin America, where it is often referred to as papelón or piloncillo.
• The Andean Breakfast: If you visit the Andean region of Colombia, it is practically mandatory to consume this beverage piping hot, traditionally accompanied by a piece of fresh cheese and bread.
• Medicinal Variations: Panela is the base for countless home remedies and preparations, the most famous being Agua de panela con jengibre (with ginger), widely consumed to soothe colds and sore throats.

Keywords Agua de panela, Panela Water