Avena Colombiana: Colombian Cold Spiced Oat Drink
Avena Colombiana (frequently referred to as Avena Caleña) is a phenomenally popular, creamy, and refreshing cold oat beverage from Colombia. Perfect for beating the intense coastal heat, this sweet, spiced drink provides a nourishing and deeply satisfying alternative to standard fruit juices or milkshakes.
The secret to this iconic drink is boiling the oats with aromatic cinnamon and cloves, then letting the mixture chill completely before blending it into a silky smooth texture. Served over abundant crushed ice, this foolproof recipe yields a perfectly spiced, energizing refreshment for the whole family!
Avena Colombiana (Colombian Spiced Oat Drink)
A refreshing, creamy, and iconic Colombian cold drink! Rolled oats slowly cooked with cinnamon and cloves, chilled, and blended to silky perfection.
Utensils and Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 lb Rolled oats
- 4 Liters Water
- 4 Cinnamon sticks
- 4 Whole cloves or a pinch of ground cloves
- Sugar to taste
- Milk to taste
Instructions
- Initial boil: Place the rolled oats in a large cooking pot along with a portion of the water, the cinnamon sticks, the cloves, and sugar to taste.
- Add milk: Let the mixture cook until it begins to boil. At this exact point, pour in the milk to your liking. Once the mixture returns to a boil, cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to the absolute minimum setting.
- Simmer and chill: Let the oats simmer gently for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, place the mixture in the refrigerator for approximately 3 hours to chill completely.
- Blend and serve: Once fully chilled, transfer the mixture (removing the whole cinnamon sticks and cloves if desired) into a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy. Serve immediately in large glasses accompanied by plenty of ice.
- Garnish: As an optional finishing touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of each glass before serving!
Video
Notes
- Variations of the recipe: There are many different variations of the oatmeal recipe, this is just one of them.
- The Cali Connection: Cold Avena is an incredibly popular beverage throughout all of Colombia, but it is especially famous and beloved in the city of Cali, where it is widely known as Avena Caleña.
- Athlete’s Choice: Oats are a fantastic source of sustained energy, making this drink a highly recommended option frequently consumed by athletes.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Oats are an excellent food choice for people with diabetes, as they help maintain stable glucose levels and significantly improve overall digestion.
- Bone Health: Thanks to a good amount of naturally occurring calcium, this beverage is a great alternative for maintaining strong bones and helping to prevent osteoporosis.
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