16 Typical Bolivian Beverages and Cultural Drinks

Paceña is a Bolivian beer brewed from cereals and hops by the beverage manufacturer Cervecería Boliviana Nacional (CBN).

This golden beer is produced high in the Andean mountains, about 3600 meters above sea level. Bolivians have a strong affinity for Paceña, as beer is an integral part of their festival events.

Cocoroco is a potent rectified spirit in Bolivia that is distilled sugarcane. It boasts a staggering 96% alcohol content and is often sold in tin cans.

The spirit is also popular in Chile and is often found in Aymara communities living in the Altiplano. However, the drink is prohibited in Chile due to its high alcohol content.

Singani is the national drink of Bolivia and is a type of distilled wine primarily made from white muscat or Alexandria grapes. The high valleys of Bolivia have been the only region of production of singani since its creation in the 16th century.

This grape wine is the soul of numerous local festivals, like Saint John’s Eve and the annual Virgen del Socavón Carnival. The wine can be an ingredient in cocktails or a standalone drink.

Yungueño is a Bolivian mixed drink blending singani, simple syrup, and orange juice. The mix’s name was given in the Yungas region, known for its tropical and humid climate.

Yungueño has a smooth profile, enjoyed by many in Yungas, the Beni, and Bolivian Amazon communities. Long before the cocktail culture took root in Bolivia, yungueño had already been a choice among the poor in the Beni and Bolivian Amazon.

Chuflay is a Bolivian mixed drink created by combining singani and fizzy drinks like ginger ale, Sprite, or 7-Up. The beverage’s name is a spin-off from Short Fly, a cocktail made with Singani and ginger ale.

This refreshing cocktail is quite popular in various settings, from casual get-togethers to weddings. Chuflay is served in a tall glass, especially a Collins glass. Bolivians often drink chuflay while playing Cacho, a popular Bolivian dice game.

Coctel de Tumbo is a Bolivian cocktail with a creamy profile created using singani, condensed milk, and banana passionfruit (a fruit native to the Andes).

The concoction comes in a martini glass with a vibrant yellowish-orange and is served without ice. Coctel de tumbo offers a sweet tang of banana passionfruit balanced perfectly with the condensed milk and singani’s distinctive flavor.

Té con té is a Bolivian cocktail that translates to “tea with tea.” This warm drink is a blend of black tea, singani, lime, and cinnamon, creating a soothing, aromatic beverage.

Always served hot, té con té is the go-to choice on cold days, particularly during wintertime. It often appears on San Juan Night on June 23.

Garapiña is an alcoholic beverage of Quillacollo, Bolivia with a vibrant red hue. This eye-catching color is achieved by tinting Chicha (a traditional South American alcoholic beverage) and cinnamon with the seeds of the airampo cactus (Opuntia soehrensii).

The drink boasts a taste that goes brilliantly with coconut, cinnamon ice cream, or fruits. Garapiña can be found in local chicherías (traditional bars where people get together to drink Chicha).

Sucumbé is a Bolivian alcoholic drink with singani as a base for cinnamon or cloves, eggs, and milk, all whisked together for a velvety texture. The drink is similar to eggnog and ideal for Bolivia’s winter.

It sometimes uses only egg whites for a lighter profile, served in a tall glass or mug. During the festive Fiesta de San Juan in June or at bustling street events, Sucumbé adds an unmistakable note of cheer.

Cola de Mono, or “monkey’s tail” in English, is a mixed drink from Chile, popular in Bolivia. The concoction is a combination of coffee, cloves, sugar, milk, and optional aguardiente, creating a balance between the warmth of spices and the robustness of coffee.

Also known as Colemono, this festive drink shares similarities with eggnog. The beverage is whipped to a thick consistency and served around Christmas time.

Coca Colla is an energy drink that originates from Bolivia. This drink shares ingredients similar to Coca-Cola, with the main component being the coca extract from coca leaves (which happens to be the base of cocaine powder).

First introduced to the Bolivian market in 2010, Coca Colla has long captivated Bolivians with its dark caramel color and sweet taste. However, due to legal restrictions, Coca Colla remains unavailable in North America and Europe. Bolivian laws also prevent its export.

Helado de canela is a Bolivian mixed drink that doubles as a dessert. It is a mixture of water, sugar, cinnamon, and opuntia (a type of cactus). Also known as cinnamon ice cream, the drink can incorporate ingredients like passion fruit or coconut.

This well-loved drink has been declared a Bolivian cultural heritage. In La Paz, Oruro, or Cochabamba, locals pair helado de canela with peanuts, cheese empanadas, or pasankalla (sweetened Bolivian popcorn).

Mocochinchi is a Bolivian cider that calls for dried peach, sugar, and cinnamon. The peaches are left to soak overnight before they’re boiled into a sweet concoction.

This unique drink is served cold, with the peaches becoming plump and flavorful after being soaked and boiled.

Api is a Bolivian mixed drink that combines ingredients like ground purple corn, cinnamon, water, cloves, and sugar. The purple drink is best served alongside buñuelos (fried dough fritter) or bread.

This corn refreshment is often served for breakfast or a hearty snack. Its consistency is so thick that you can eat it with a spoon! Must-try varieties include api blanco and api morado, which are derived from white and purple corn, respectively.

Tujuré is a unique Bolivian porridge or non-alcoholic mix from beni, with plantains, corn, milk, and sugar as the main ingredients. The preparation involves boiling, simmering, and blending these elements into a thick, rich blend.

This mix stands out by including ash from grilled plantain peels. Tujuré can be savored hot or cold, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or dessert. For an extra touch of sweetness, milk and sugar are perfect companions to this Bolivian specialty.

Linaza is a Bolivian mixed drink that utilizes flax seed. Prepared by blending flax seeds, this drink is best served cold over ice. Linaza can be adjusted in terms of consistency to make a healthy drink.