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 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.
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.
Looking for more oat-based recipes?
Try my Orange Oat Muffins and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats.
Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink) Recipe
Adapted from My Colombian Recipes
Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch salt
Topping:
- Pinch ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the oatmeal, milk, and water over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, 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 15 more minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a covered container. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the chilled drink to the blender. Puree until smooth. If too thick, add a little more water. Serve cold.
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!
Kristina
Hi – this recipe says “1/2 old fashioned oats” – is that 1/2 cup? Or that half the mixture should be oats? Thanks!
Tara
Hi Kristina! Sorry about that! I have been working on updating recipes and it must have gotten cut off in the process. All fixed now. Yes, 1/2 cup oats. Hope you enjoy it!