Aguapanela is a beloved Colombian drink made by dissolving panela in water, then serving it warm or brightened with lime over ice.
This chilled version keeps the caramel-like flavor of panela while lime adds a clean, refreshing finish.
Dissolve the panela in hot water first, then chill the syrup before adding ice so the drink stays concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over plenty of ice with lime wedges. It also makes a refreshing base for a splash of sparkling water.
Recipe Notes
Panela is unrefined cane sugar sold in cones or blocks. Brown sugar can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be lighter.
Colombian Aguapanela with Lime
A refreshing Colombian panela drink with fresh lime, water, and ice.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Pitcher
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cup
- Tall glasses
Ingredients
Aguapanela
- 4 cups water divided
- 6 oz panela grated or chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cups ice
- 1 lime sliced for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh mint optional
Instructions
Make the panela syrup:
- Combine 2 cups of water and the panela in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the panela fully dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Chill until cold.
Finish and serve:
- Stir the lime juice into the chilled panela water. Taste and add more lime if desired.
- Fill tall glasses with ice and pour in the aguapanela. Garnish with lime slices and mint.
Notes
- Adjust the lime to taste; panela varies in sweetness from batch to batch.
- For a lightly sparkling version, replace 1 cup of the cold water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 33gSodium: 5mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31g