A recipe for Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink)! Oats are simmered in milk, water, and spices, then refrigerated for a few hours before blending into a creamy and refreshing drink.
I first came across Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink) at My Colombian Recipes (check out her website for an amazing collection of Colombian recipes!) and it has quickly become a favorite way to cool off during the summer. This creamy oat-based drink from Colombia doesn’t take much effort at all to make, but does involve a little planning ahead.
Oats are simmered with milk, water, cinnamon, cloves, a pinch of salt, and a little sugar. The mixture is chilled for at least three hours, then blended until smooth. It is definitely a great way to celebrate the last few warm days before winter starts to kick in.
I actually prepared the oat mixture the night before and chilled it overnight. This way, I was able to easily blend it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast drink to serve alongside bread and pastries. The mixture will thicken while it chills in the refrigerator. If it is too thick after blending, add a little more water or milk until you reach the preferred texture and consistency similar to a smoothie.
Adjust the ground cloves to taste. If you don’t love them, decrease the amount to 1/8 teaspoon or just a small pinch. The vanilla extract is also completely optional, but I love how beautifully it compliments the cloves and cinnamon. Adjust the sugar more or less to desired sweetness.
Condensed milk is also a common addition in place of/in addition to the sugar. If desired, top each glass with a little ground cinnamon immediately before serving.
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Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink) Recipe
Adapted from My Colombian Recipes
Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) old fashioned oats
- 4 cups (950 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Topping:
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, milk, and water over medium heat. Cook, stirring often- especially the bottom and sides, for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the cinnamon stick, sugar, ground cloves, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and transfer to a covered container. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours to overnight.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the chilled drink to the blender. Puree until smooth. If too thick, add a little more water or milk.
- Serve chilled with a pinch of ground cinnamon sprinkled over the top.
Platter Talk
I’ve been eating uncooked oatmeal with yogurt & fruit for breakfast lately. This look like something I’m going to try as the “next step”. Thanks.
Karly
I love love love avena caliente. I’ve tried several versions and this one sounds delicious; I can’t wait to give it a try!
Janette@CulinaryGinger
This looks delicious and I am so excited to try it.
Lisa
This sounds delicious! I’ve never heard of it before, but I’m definitely going to try it. I bet it’d be good in a smoothie too!
Sarah
Nutritious and delicious! This sounds like a perfect treat!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion
It seems so easy to make and only few ingredient! Great recipe! I love oats and I can eat them all the time:)
diana
I tried it. Delicious!! 🤤
Tara
So glad you loved it!
Hannah
would i be able to add ice to it in the blender and would it come out like a milkshake consistency?
Tara
Hi Hannah! I haven’t personally tried it, but it sounds delicious!
Carrie Robinson
Oh yum! This sounds so delicious! Definitely making this soon. 🙂
Serena
I’ve never tried this before! Sounds delish and I’m looking forward to trying it this weekend.
Emily Liao
Never tried this before until now! So delicious and refreshing.
Jamie
I love the flavor of cinnamon in this drink! I remember having this at a friend’s house but had no idea how to make it until now!
Lindsay Bozek
I love reading your blog, I learn so much about other cultures through your recipes. This one sounds amazing, will be trying it soon with my kids. We will actually be hosting an exchange student this year from Italy so I’m off to see if you have any italian recipes that I can learn before she gets here! Thanks!
Tara
Thank you so much Lindsay!
Neha
Hi! I just came across this new drink and your recipe popped up in my search. How long will this last if not all consumed at once? I would love to use any leftovers in my smoothie for a few days.
Tara
Hi Neha! The longest we have refrigerated it so far is three days. Just mix well before drinking.
Neha
Awesome! I don’t mind making it every 3 days. This is like a healthier oat milk and less work! And I no longer need to buy store bought, I’m looking very forward to trying it! Thank you!