For decades, the idea of mixing aguardiente with anything other than more aguardiente was borderline offensive. You drank it in shots. End of discussion.

But a new wave of Colombian bartenders — in Medellín, Bogotá, and the diaspora — is proving that aguardiente's anise backbone and sugarcane base make it one of the most versatile spirits you're not using. It plays beautifully with citrus, tropical fruit, coffee, herbs, and even spice.

Here are ten cocktails that will change how you think about guaro.

Before You Start
Bartender Kit — Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Muddler & Spoon
Everything you need to make every cocktail on this list.
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1. Guaro Sour

The gateway cocktail. If you've ever had a pisco sour or whiskey sour, you already know the template — but aguardiente's anise adds a layer that makes this feel distinctly Colombian.

Guaro Sour

Citrus · Silky · 5 min

Dry shake all ingredients (no ice) for 15 seconds. Add ice, shake hard for 15 more. Strain into a coupe glass. Drop bitters on the foam and drag a toothpick through for a design. Garnish with a lime wheel.

2. Guaro Mule

The Moscow Mule formula works with almost anything, and aguardiente is no exception. The ginger beer's spice plays off the anise in a way that's refreshing and dangerously easy to drink.

Guaro Mule

Spicy · Refreshing · 3 min

Fill a copper mug (or highball glass) with ice. Pour aguardiente and lime juice, top with ginger beer. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

3. Tropical Guaro

This one tastes like a Caribbean vacation. The passion fruit's tartness and coconut cream's richness turn aguardiente into something that could headline a beach bar menu.

Tropical Guaro

Tropical · Sweet · 5 min

Shake all ingredients hard with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a passion fruit half or a toasted coconut flake.

4. Guaro & Tonic

The simplest upgrade from straight shots. The quinine in tonic water has a natural affinity with anise, and a good premium tonic turns this into something you can sip on a balcony for an hour.

Guaro & Tonic

Crisp · Herbal · 2 min

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour aguardiente, top with tonic. Stir once. Drop in a star anise and a lime wheel. The anise reinforces the spirit's character beautifully.

5. Colombian Coffee Old Fashioned

Two of Colombia's greatest exports in one glass. Cold brew concentrate adds depth and bitterness that turns aguardiente into a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

Colombian Coffee Old Fashioned

Rich · Bold · 4 min

Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass for 30 seconds. Strain over a single large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express the orange peel over the surface and drop it in.

Level Up
Large Ice Cube Mold (2-inch squares)
Slow-melting cubes for Old Fashioneds and sipping cocktails.
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6. Guaro Mojito

A riff on the Cuban classic, but the anise from the aguardiente adds a dimension that white rum can't touch. The fresh mint and lime keep it light enough for a hot Medellín afternoon.

Guaro Mojito

Fresh · Herbaceous · 4 min

Gently muddle mint and lime juice in a glass (don't shred the mint — just press to release oils). Add aguardiente and syrup. Fill with ice, top with soda. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig.

7. Lulo Smash

Lulo (naranjilla) is one of Colombia's most unique fruits — tart, citrusy, and almost impossible to find fresh outside Latin America. Frozen lulo pulp works perfectly here and can be found at Latin grocery stores.

Lulo Smash

Tropical · Tart · 5 min

Muddle basil lightly in the shaker. Add everything else with ice. Shake hard. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

8. Guaro Paloma

Borrowed from the tequila world, the Paloma structure — spirit plus grapefruit soda — translates beautifully. The grapefruit's bitterness plays off the anise like they've known each other for years.

Guaro Paloma

Bitter · Bubbly · 3 min

Rim a highball glass with Tajín or salt. Fill with ice. Pour aguardiente and lime juice, top with grapefruit soda. Stir once. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

9. Smoky Guaro

For the mezcal curious. A half-ounce of mezcal added to aguardiente creates a smoky-anise combination that's complex, earthy, and genuinely surprising. This one's for people who like their drinks a little dangerous.

Smoky Guaro

Smoky · Complex · 4 min

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel if you're feeling fancy, or nothing at all.

10. Aguardiente Spritz

Light, bubbly, and built for aperitivo hour. This one flips the Aperol Spritz format on its head by using aguardiente as the spirit base. It's low-effort and high-impact.

Aguardiente Spritz

Light · Bubbly · 2 min

Build in a wine glass over ice. Pour aguardiente, then prosecco, then a splash of soda. Stir gently. Drop in an orange slice. Cheers.

The Glass Matters
Coupe Cocktail Glasses (Set of 4)
The elegant choice for sours, smashes, and anything shaken.
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A Note on Choosing Your Aguardiente

For cocktails, we generally recommend Aguardiente Antioqueño Tapa Roja or Cristal Sin Azúcar. The sugar-free varieties tend to blend more cleanly with other ingredients, and the 29% ABV provides enough backbone without overpowering the mixers. The lighter 24% bottles (Tapa Verde, etc.) can work but may need a slightly heavier pour to maintain presence in the drink.

Not sure which brand to pick? Read our Antioqueño vs. Cristal breakdown.