How to make Canelazo

Why cooks start here

Canelazo is cooked the way Andean nights cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a colombian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Canelazo is a warm, spiced drink that finds its roots in the chilly Andean nights of Colombia. Traditionally, it is prepared at home, with each family adding their own touch of salt and fat, passed down through generations. This drink is especially cherished during gatherings and festivities, where the cool mountain air calls for something to warm the soul and ignite conversation. Rich with the boldness of aguardiente and the sweetness of agua de panela, Canelazo wraps you in a comforting embrace. The cinnamon stick and a hint of clove add a fragrant layer, while lime brings a refreshing zest. It's a drink meant to be savored slowly, each sip a reminder of the warmth and hospitality that define Colombian gatherings.