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Canelazo Drink recipe

Rocks glass

Warm up Your Nights with a Delicious Canelazo Drink Recipe | Perfect for Beginning Bartenders in the USA! This easy-to-make drink combines the flavors of Aguardiente Antioqueno, tea, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup for a cozy and comforting drink that's perfect for chilly nights. Don't forget to use a metal straw or bar spoon for a professional touch! Serve in a rocks glass and enjoy the deliciousness.


Canelazo Ingredients

Canelazo Equipment

  • kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
  • metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Canelazo Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes to chill all the ingredients properly
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. serve in Rocks glass full with ice cubes

Recommend: serve in Rocks glass

It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.

Canelazo: The Perfect Winter Warmer

If you're looking for a delicious, warming cocktail to get you through the chilly winter months, look no further than the canelazo. This traditional South American beverage has been enjoyed for centuries and is known for its sweet, spicy flavor and comforting warmth.

Popularity

The canelazo has its origins in the Andes mountain region of South America, where it has been a popular drink for centuries. It is particularly well-known in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, and is often enjoyed during festivals and other celebrations. The drink is typically made with aguardiente, a traditional spirit made from sugar cane, as well as cinnamon, lemon juice, and hot water or tea.

One of the most famous versions of the canelazo is the Colombian variety, which is made with aguardiente Antioqueno, a popular brand of the spirit. This version is often served with a side of grilled cheese, which is used to dip into the drink and complement its sweet, spicy flavors.

The appearance of the canelazo is quite simple, as it is typically served in a rocks glass with a cinnamon stick or lemon wedge for garnish.

Ingredient Roles

The key ingredients in the canelazo are:

  • Aguardiente Antioqueno: This traditional South American spirit is the base of the drink and provides its distinct flavor.
  • Lemon juice: This adds a bright, tart flavor to balance out the sweetness of the aguardiente and cinnamon.
  • Water or tea: This is used to dilute the drink and make it more palatable.
  • Cinnamon syrup: This sweetens the drink and adds a warm, spicy flavor.

How to Garnish

To garnish your canelazo, simply add a cinnamon stick or a wedge of lemon to the glass. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if you like.

When making the drink, it's important to use a kitchen strainer to dispose of any fruit pieces and a metal straw or teaspoon to stir it properly. If you want to be a pro, use a bar spoon for an extra touch of elegance. If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use a juicer or squeezer, either manual or automatic.

Variations

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version of the canelazo, simply omit the aguardiente and replace it with a non-alcoholic substitute. Some popular brands in the US include Seedlip and Kin Euphorics.

For a gluten-free version, be sure to check the ingredients of your cinnamon syrup and tea to make sure they are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

To make a vegan version of the canelazo, be sure to use a vegan-friendly aguardiente substitute, such as Giffard Caribbean Pineapple.

For those on a keto diet, you can substitute the aguardiente for a low-carb spirit like vodka.

To make a low-calorie version of the canelazo, simply reduce the amount of cinnamon syrup and use a sugar-free alternative.

There are many other variations of the canelazo that you can try, such as adding orange juice or substituting the tea for coffee or hot chocolate. Get creative and experiment to find your perfect version of this delicious winter warmer.

Common Mistakes When Making

One common mistake when making the canelazo is not using enough cinnamon syrup. This can result in a drink that is too bitter or tart. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully and adjust the amount of syrup to your taste.

Another mistake is not using hot enough water or tea. The heat is key to bringing out the flavors of the cinnamon and lemon, so be sure to use water or tea that is steaming hot.

Finally, be sure to stir the drink thoroughly to ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined. A metal straw or teaspoon should do the trick, but if you want to be extra fancy, use a bar spoon for a professional touch.

In conclusion, the canelazo is a delicious and comforting winter cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for sipping on a cold evening. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or just looking for a warm and cozy drink to enjoy at home, this South American classic is sure to hit the spot.

If you are going to order Canelazo in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Canelazo can be served with different ingredients in different places.