10 Most Popular Uruguayan Beverages

Mate is a traditional Uruguayan drink particularly popular in South America. The herbal drink revolves around steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water.

Commonly, mate is served in a hollowed-out gourd and sipped through a metal straw called a ‘bombilla.’ It is renowned in Argentinian drinking cultures for its energizing effects due to its caffeine content.

In Uruguay, mate is often shared among friends and family, reflecting the community aspect of the country.

Medio y Medio is a Uruguayan blend of equal parts dry white wine and sweet sparkling wine for a unique, semi-sweet beverage that is often light in color. The mixture is typically served chilled for toasting in Uruguay.

Originating from the famous Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo, the alcoholic mix is a staple in local cuisine, especially as an aperitif at the start of meals.

Clericó is the Uruguayan interpretation of sangria, consisting primarily of fruits and white wine. The refreshing drink is typically colorful and fruity thanks to a combination of diced fruits like apples, oranges, and berries soaked in wine.

Often served chilled, Clericó is especially favored during the warm summer months. In Uruguay, it’s commonly enjoyed for its light, sweet taste.

Tannat wine is a red wine in Uruguay that possesses a robust flavor and deep color. Introduced in the 19th century by Basque settlers, Tannat grapes provide rich blackberry fruit notes and elegant, softer tannins.

Tannat is often blended with other varieties like Pinot Noir and Merlot for diverse styles, from port-like wines to lighter ones akin to Beaujolais.

While Tannat wine is most famously produced in Uruguay, it retains a connection to its Spanish origins and is appreciated as part of the popular drink options in Spain.

Caña con Limón is a beer cocktail in Uruguay revolving around mixing caña (a clear spirit distilled from sugar cane) and lemon juice. The beer is typically served ice cold, making it a favored choice during the hot summer months.

In Uruguay, caña con Limón comes with a tartness of the lemon that perfectly complements the sweet, potent flavor of the caña.

Pilsen is a pale lager with a distinct place in Uruguay’s beer culture. With a golden color, crisp and refreshing taste, and moderate alcohol content, Pilsen is typically light in body with a balanced malt and hop flavor.

In Uruguay, Pilsen is widely consumed in various settings, from casual meet-ups to larger festive celebrations.

Licor de Butiá is a liqueur crafted from the fruit of the Butiá palm, native to Uruguay. The liqueur offers a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile similar to apricots and peaches.

Commonly available in amber color, the Licor de Butiá has an aromatic note, enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif for serving neat, on ice, or as part of various cocktails.

Mate Cocido is a beverage in Uruguay derived from the same yerba mate leaves used to make the classic mate drink. Unlike the traditional mate, which is sipped from a gourd, Mate Cocido is brewed and served more like tea, either in a teapot or as a tea bag in a cup.

This method makes it more accessible and convenient, offering a robust, slightly bitter flavor. Popular among all age groups, Mate Cocido provides a caffeine boost similar to coffee or tea and is often enjoyed both in the morning and throughout the day.

Caipiroska is a cocktail in Uruguay, derived from Caipirinha, one of the renowned Brazilian drinks, but made with vodka instead of the traditional cachaça. Usually, Uruguayans use vodka to mix with fresh lime, sugar, and ice, creating a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

In Uruguay, Caipiroska is a favored choice in bars, especially during the warmer months, due to its cooling properties. The cocktail’s simple taste allows the quality of the vodka to shine through, complemented by the citrus zing of the lime.

Grappamiel is a Uruguayan alcohol made by blending grape brandy, a traditional Italian refreshment known as grappa in the country, with honey and grains.

This sweet alcoholic drink is popular particularly during the winter months, as it is often consumed to ward off the cold due to its warming properties.

Grapamiel varies in strength and sweetness, depending on the ratio of honey to brandy and the types used.