Canelazo facts for kids
A cup of Colombian canelazo.
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| Country of origin | Andean highlands of South America |
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Canelazo is a warm, traditional drink enjoyed in the Andean mountains of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and northern Argentina. It's especially popular for keeping warm in the cool mountain air. While it can be made with a special kind of alcohol, many versions are made with fruit juices and spices, making it a comforting drink for everyone.
Contents
What is Canelazo?
Canelazo is a popular warm drink from the Andes mountains. It is known for its sweet and spicy taste. People often drink it to warm up, especially during cold weather or holidays.
Main Ingredients
Canelazo usually has a few key ingredients:
- Agua de canela: This is water that has been boiled with cinnamon sticks. It gives the drink its main flavor.
- Sugar or panela: Sweetness comes from sugar or panela. Panela is a type of unrefined whole cane sugar, common in Latin America.
- Aguardiente: This is a traditional spirit made from sugar cane. It is often used in the adult versions of Canelazo. However, many people also make Canelazo without any alcohol, or with fruit juices instead.
Different Flavors and Types
There are many ways to make Canelazo!
- Fruit juices: Sometimes, people add fruit juices like naranjilla (a citrusy fruit), blackberry (mora), or passionfruit (maracuyá). This makes the drink even more flavorful.
- Spices: Besides cinnamon, some recipes include cloves for extra spice.
- Alcohol-free options: Many families make Canelazo without the aguardiente. These versions are perfect for kids and anyone who prefers a non-alcoholic drink. In fact, some companies even bottle alcohol-free Canelazo for export!
Canelazo in Different Countries
Canelazo is a beloved drink across several Andean countries, each with its own special touch.
Canelazo in Ecuador and Colombia
In Ecuador and Colombia, Canelazo is a very common sight.
- Traditional making: It is often made with homemade aguardiente, but bottled versions are also used.
- Street vendors: During holidays, you might find street vendors selling warm cups of Canelazo.
- Special occasions: It is especially popular during celebrations like Fiestas de Quito (a big festival in Ecuador's capital) or Christmas.
Canelazo in Peru
In the northern highlands of Peru, especially around Ayabaca in the Piura area, Canelazo is also enjoyed.
- Sweeteners: Here, people might use chancaca (another type of unrefined sugar) instead of panela.
- Extra ingredients: Sometimes, they add lemon or chicha de jora (a traditional corn beverage) to their Canelazo.
Canelazo is a wonderful example of a warm, comforting drink that brings people together in the Andes mountains. Whether it's enjoyed with spices, fruit, or as a traditional adult beverage, it's a special part of the local culture.
See also
In Spanish: Canelazo para niños
