Cocktails with Aguardiente
Aguardiente ("firewater") is a broad name for distilled spirits across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. It is a family, not one product, made from cane, wine, grape pomace or fruit.
ABVAbout 24–29%That is Colombian cane aguardiente; grape-pomace styles run to over 50%.
Substitutes for Aguardiente
If you need a Cuban-style cane spirit, this is the closest swap at the exact same measure.
A gorgeous spirit distilled directly from fresh cane juice. It leaves a grassier, brighter mark.
Rhum agricole blanc
Steps up exactly like cachaça, bringing loud, fresh grassy cane notes.
Orujo
A last resort. This Spanish pomace spirit smells of grape skins, not cane. It noticeably changes the drink.
Colombian aguardiente
Won't work. It is an entirely different beast packed with heavy anise flavor.
Description
The base depends on the region. Most of Latin America distills it from cane, and Colombian guaro is a cane distillate flavored with anise, at a mild 24–29%. In Spain and Portugal the word more often means a wine or pomace distillate, which can run over 50%.
