By Soren Rivero
Do you like your coffee black, or with cream? Are you team espresso or team drip coffee? However you decide to have your coffee, most of us are aware that this delectable beverage is the fuel that drives the world forward.
Colombia in particular has held a long lasting passion for coffee, so much so that National Coffee Day in Colombia is quite the festivity! If you plan to visit Colombia, you’ll want to know a thing or two about its coffee culture. Here’s a short guide on everything you need to know about coffee in Colombia!
Coffee Culture
Depending on your location, coffee might be seen as just another drink that’s sole purpose is to provide enough energy to get through long work hours.
Colombia is a little bit different. While native Colombians recognize the energizing capabilities of the almighty coffee bean, coffee’s main purpose in Colombia is not simply a luxury energy drink — it's a necessary part of the nation’s culture!
Growing and Distributing Coffee in Colombia
Colombia is a country that’s pretty famous for its immense biodiversity and vast landscapes ideal for farming. This makes growing coffee throughout the country fairly easy.
There are thousands of coffee farmers all throughout Colombia. Because of how diverse the ecosystems in Colombia are, no two coffee beans from different regions will taste the same.
With that said, there is a flavor profile that’s slightly common throughout all of Colombia’s coffee, which is typically mildly acidic and sweet. Coffee here is harvested from March to June, and then from September to December. The majority of beans harvested usually stay in Colombia, and the rest are distributed throughout the rest of the world.
Drinking Coffee in Colombia
Many of us are used to large cups of coffee with sugar, cream, and flavorings. In Colombia, coffee is typically consumed without cream or sugar. Sometimes sugar is added to coffee, but the actual drink remains black.
The most common way of drinking coffee in Colombia is a drink called a tinto (ink). It’s pure black and is served in tiny little mugs. Why is it served in small portions? Colombians recognize the negative side effects of coffee such as jitteriness and digestive issues, so they solve this by consuming coffee in tiny cups!
Finding the Best Coffee in Colombia
The best way to find great coffee in Colombia is to look for authentic local coffee shops that have great reviews. Stay away from chain coffee shops, as these will be far from the real-deal.
Luckily, great local coffee shops can be found on every corner in Colombia. If you’re ever confused, don’t be afraid to ask locals or staff at hotels/restaurants for recommendations!
Ordering Your Liquid Happiness
When it comes to getting your daily (or hourly) cup of joe, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of ordering coffee in Colombia. Tinto is the most popular way to drink coffee in Colombia — pitch black, in a small cup, and can either be sweet or unsweet. This is the authentic, Colombian taste that people from all over the world seek out. We highly recommend trying it this way.
But hey — not everyone enjoys black coffee. Instead, you can order a pintado (painted). It’s similar to a latte or a cappuccino, and you can grab them at almost any coffee spot.
If you’re the adventurous type and want to try something new, ask for an El Carajillo. It’s a play on wording that evolved from the Spanish word coraje, meaning courage. El Carajillo is a black coffee drink mixed with alcohol, usually rum or aguardiente. Definitely worth a drink if you’re wanting an extra shot of motivation with your coffee!
