3 Latin American Drinks to Beat the Baltic Cold
- La Tienda
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Winter in Estonia is beautiful, but let’s be honest, by February, we all need a little extra warmth and energy. While tea and coffee are great, Latin America has perfect drinks that nourish the soul, boost the immune system, and provide a much-needed "kick" of energy.
Here are three traditional drinks you can find at La Tienda that will make you forget the frost outside.
1. Yerba Mate: The "Liquid Sun" of the South
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil, Yerba Mate isn’t just a drink; it’s a social ritual. Unlike coffee, which gives you a quick spike and a crash, Yerba Mate provides a steady, focused energy.
Why it’s perfect for winter:
It’s packed with antioxidants—even more than green tea. It keeps your focus sharp during those short, dark days.
How to drink it:
You can go the traditional route with a gourd and bombilla (straw), or simply brew it in a French press. Find in this blog how to master Yerba Mate
2. Chocolate Corona: Authentic Hot Cocoa
Forget the sugary powders you find in the supermarket. Real Latin American chocolate, like Chocolate Corona, comes in bars of pure cocoa. It is often infused with cinnamon or cloves, giving it a spiced warmth that goes straight to your toes.
The Secret Technique:
To get it right, you need a molinillo (a wooden whisk) or a modern frother. In Colombia, it’s traditionally served with a slice of salty cheese dropped into the cup. Yes, really! The melted cheese and sweet chocolate are a combination you have to try at least once.
How to make Hot Chocolate:
Find all the secrets to authentic Colombian hot chocolate on our blog post
3. Hot "Aguapanela" (Guarapo)
Panela is unrefined cane sugar, but don’t mistake it for regular sugar. It’s full of minerals and has a deep, caramel-like flavour. When dissolved in hot water, it becomes Guarapo. Also known as "aguapanela" and "agua dulce".
Hot Aguapanela can be enjoyed with fresh lime juice as the ultimate cure for a sore throat or a cold. It’s hydrating, soothing, and 100% natural.
The process is simple:
Boil the water
Add sugar cane "panela"
(optional) add lime juice
Mix and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
Add a cinnamon stick and a couple of cloves while boiling the water to make your kitchen smell like a tropical paradise.
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