More than a Liqueur, an Ancestral Drink
The Colombian Pacific Coast is known for its rich culture, music and gastronomy, but also for its traditional drink: viche . This liquor distilled from fermented sugar cane is a strong and dry drink, with a high alcohol content ranging between 40% and 60%.
Origin and culture of Viche:
Viche is an ancestral drink, which has been part of the culture of the Afro-descendant communities in the region for many years. It is a popular drink in festivities and celebrations in the Pacific region. Furthermore, its preparation has passed through many generations of Afro-Colombian families, especially among women, since for many years the preparation of viche was seen as a feminine task.
Preparation of Viche:
The process of making viche is very simple and is carried out in small artisanal distilleries, where sugar cane is boiled to obtain a sweet juice and fermented with natural yeasts. It is then distilled to obtain the final liquor. The result is a transparent drink, with a strong, dry flavor reminiscent of rum or brandy. By its communities, it is not considered a liquor but a fermented drink of ancestral origin.
Viche consumption:
Did you know that midwives in the Pacific took it and recommended it to soothe menstrual pain or to speed up childbirth? It is as sui generis as its origin. The traditional way to drink viche is in small quantities, like a shot, and served cold or at room temperature. It can also be mixed with lemon juice or soda, or even used in cocktails, such as the popular "viche sour." Some people prefer to take it alone, to enjoy its pure and strong flavor. Viche is a drink that pairs very well with food from the Pacific Coast region. Some typical dishes that are accompanied with viche are rice with coconut, fish or seafood stew, and ceviches. In addition, viche can also be combined with spicy foods, such as chicharrones or fried ripe plantains.
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