15 Most Popular Panamanian Beverages

Coffee is a highly valued beverage in Panama (and even in Colombian drinking culture) due to the country’s unique growing conditions, especially in regions like Boquete and Volcan.

Panamanian coffee is renowned for its high-quality beans, often characterized by a rich, aromatic profile with hints of chocolate and citrus.

The country’s rare Geisha variety comes with a delicate profile along with tea-like qualities and vibrant acidity. In Panama, coffee is widely available at cafe shops and households nationwide.

Chicha is a traditional, fermented Panamanian beverage with variations found throughout Latin America. In Panama, the drink is a non-alcoholic mix made from pineapple, mango, or passion fruit, often blended with sugar and water.

Some versions, known as “Chicha Fuerte,” may be fermented and contain a light amount of alcohol. This drink is often served chilled on hot days or during social gatherings, especially in Panamanian households.

Seco herrerano is a Panamanian alcoholic spirit distilled from sugarcane. This sweet spirit undergoes triple distillation, producing a clear and potent liquor with an alcohol content of 35% by volume.

Traditionally consumed either neat or as a mixer in place of rum or vodka, Seco Herrerano is used for many cocktail mixes. In some regions, it is uniquely mixed with milk or coconut milk for a mild profile.

Ron Abuelo is a Panamanian rum with a complex flavor profile. The rum is distilled from the sugar cane grown in Panama’s fertile lands and aged in oak barrels for a deep, caramelized sweetness accompanied by hints of vanilla and spices.

Ron Abuelo is enjoyed both neat and as a key component in various cocktails, offering a smooth finish. The rum is often used as a luxurious wine for celebrations or greeting guests.

Licuados are Panamanian fruit-blended beverages, also a popular drinking choice in Costa Rica, similar to smoothies, but mixed with milk or water and often sweetened with sugar or honey.

This drink can include a variety of tropical fruits such as papaya, mango, banana, and pineapple from the local region.

Locals prize licuados thanks to their hydration effect. They are commonly consumed as a snack or a light breakfast at local markets, street vendors, and cafes throughout Panama.

Tamarindo juice is a beverage made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit in Panama. The beverage mainly consists of a sweet and tangy flavor drink that comes from the unique nature of the tamarind.

To prepare the juice, the tamarind pods are boiled and mashed to extract the flavor, then mixed with water and sugar to balance the tartness. Often served chilled, tamarindo juice brings a refreshing feel and offers a lot of vitamin C.

Chicheme is a traditional Panamanian refreshment that revolves mainly around the flavor of corn. Originating from the Chiriquí Province, the drink is typically made from cooked maize, cooked, blended with milk and sugar.

Usually, locals even use vanilla and cinnamon for additional flavor. Chicheme is commonly served cold during the hot months for its cooling effect, along with a mesmerizing creamy profile of pure corn.

Agua de coco, or coconut water, is a common beverage for many Panamanians, where the abundant coconut palms provide a ready supply of this hydrating drink. Extracted from young green coconuts, the water is a popular choice for its natural sweetness.

Locals tend to consume coconut water straight from the coconut with a straw to ease the tropical heat. Agua de coco is also a popular ingredient in Panamanian cocktails and smoothies that are best enjoyed cold.

Saril is a traditional Panamanian drink made from the petals of the hibiscus flower, known locally as flor de Jamaica. The herbal drink with a vibrant red or ruby color beverage is especially popular during the Christmas season.

Saril is prepared by boiling the dried petals with ginger and various spices, then sweetening it with sugar and sometimes adding a touch of orange peel for extra flavor. Saril is typically served chilled and is favored for aiding digestion and reducing blood pressure.

Ron ponche is another creamy blend in Panama that features a rich blend of rum, milk, eggs, and sugar. Often spiced with vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon, this thick beverage is especially popular during the holiday season, like Christmas.

It is typically served chilled and savored as a dessert drink, offering a creamy, sweet flavor profile reminiscent of eggnog. In Panama, Ron ponche is a staple at celebrations and family gatherings, where it is enjoyed for its comforting and smooth texture.

Malteada is a milkshake-like beverage of Panama, possessing an attractive creamy texture. Typically made by blending milk with ice cream and various flavorings such as chocolate, strawberries, or vanilla, malteadas are a favorite treat, especially in the hot climate of Panama.

These thick shakes can also include additional ingredients like fruits, nuts, or malt powder to customize their flavors. Often served as a refreshing snack or dessert, malteadas provide a cool relief from the tropical heat at cafés and eateries in the country.

Chicha de nance is a traditional Panamanian beverage made from the small, yellow nance fruit, which is known for its strong, slightly tart flavor. This chicha variation is typically prepared by fermenting the nance with sugar and water over several days for a light, alcoholic brew.

Chicha de nance is often enjoyed during local festivities and family gatherings. Its unique taste can vary from sweet to sour, depending on the fermentation time and the specific recipe used, making each batch a unique experience.

Resbaladera is a grain-based beverage from Panama, often compared to grain horchata, an iconic Central American refreshment with a milky white color. Made from a blend of barley and rice, the drink is sweetened with sugar and enriched with milk, resulting in a creamy texture.

It is typically served chilled and garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, adding a warm, aromatic touch. Resbaladera is especially popular during hot weather for its cooling properties and is enjoyed across various social and family gatherings.

Chicha de marañon is a cashew apple juice in Panama extracted when the fruits are fully ripe. Different from the nut, the cashew apple provides a tart and sweet flavor that makes this drink particularly refreshing.

In Panama, chicha de marañon is often enjoyed both in its natural juice form and as a fermented drink, which offers a slightly alcoholic version. This drink is particularly popular during local festivities and gatherings, where you can easily get it from markets and roadside stalls.

Chicha de arroz con piña is a Panamanian creamy rice drink with a sweet, tangy pineapple flavor. The concoction consists of softened, cooked rice, blending it with pineapple juice, and often sweetening it with sugar.

The mixture is then strained for a smooth consistency. Typically served cold, chicha de arroz con piña is especially favored during hot days or on festive occasions.