How to Make the Perfect Agua Panela Brown Sugar Cane Water
Colombian · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Agua panela is a traditional Colombian and Mexican drink made by dissolving unrefined panela brown sugar in water with lime and cinnamon for a naturally energizing beverage. This easy agua panela recipe is a beloved Latin American drink known for its rich caramel sweetness and use as a natural remedy for colds.
Why this recipe works
This Agua Panela Brown Sugar Cane Water recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 100 grams panela unrefined cane sugar block grated
- 4 cups water
- 2 whole limes juiced
- 1 stick cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Panela
Combine the grated panela with 4 cups of water and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 8 minutes until the panela is completely dissolved and the liquid is smooth.
Step 2: Simmer and Infuse
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to fully infuse the cinnamon flavor into the agua panela. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
Step 3: Add Lime and Cool
Stir in the fresh lime juice while the agua panela is still warm. Allow the drink to cool to room temperature or refrigerate until cold before serving over ice.
Step 4: Serve Hot or Cold
Agua panela can be enjoyed warm as a traditional remedy drink or poured over ice as a refreshing cold beverage. Garnish with a lime slice for a beautiful presentation.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- panela unrefined cane sugar block → piloncillo or dark brown sugar for a similar molasses rich caramel flavor
- lime juice → lemon juice for a slightly different citrus brightness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding lime juice while the mixture is boiling which causes the citrus flavor to become bitter and harsh tasting
- Using refined white sugar instead of authentic panela which results in a flat sweet drink lacking the rich caramel complexity
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 0g protein, 24g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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