Argentina’s beverage scene is as diverse and vibrant as its culture, offering a delightful array of drinks that cater to every palate. From the robust spirits, delicious cocktails, and the rich and complex notes of locally produced beers and wines, to the earthy flavors of traditional yerba mate tea or the refreshing zest of fruit-infused non-alcoholic drinks, Argentina’s drinks are a reflection of its rich heritage and innovative spirit.
Whether you’re sipping a hearty red wine, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail, or relaxing with a soothing herbal tea, each drink tells a story of Argentina’s traditions, flavors, and passion for fine beverages.
1. Spirits
1.1. Liquor from Argentina
1) Grappa
- Grape-based pomace brandy, Argentinian style.
Grappa, an Italian-origin spirit, has found a home in Argentina’s rich viticulture. Distilled from grape pomace, it embodies a strong, often fruity flavor. Argentine grappa, similar to its Italian counterpart, is savored after meals and varies from smooth to robust, depending on the aging process.
2) Pisco
- Grape-based brandy, Argentinian style.
Argentinian Pisco, a variant of the classic South American spirit, is crafted from select grape varieties. It’s less sweet than its Peruvian and Chilean counterparts, offering a nuanced, more earthy flavor profile, ideal for sipping or as a base in sophisticated cocktails.
3) Singani
- Bolivian-origin grape brandy.
Singani, originally from Bolivia and embraced in Argentina, is a grape-based brandy. Distilled from Muscat grapes at high altitudes, it offers a distinct floral and fruity profile. In Argentina, Singani is often enjoyed neat or in cocktails, showcasing its versatility and smoothness.
4) Tannat Brandy
- Dark grape-based brandy.
Tannat Brandy, distilled from the Tannat grape, known for its boldness, is gaining popularity in Argentina. It combines the rich flavors of dark fruits with the complexity of oak aging, creating a robust, deeply flavored spirit. It’s a fine example of Argentina’s innovation in spirit production.
5) Ginebra
- Juniper-flavored gin.
Ginebra, a juniper-flavored gin, is gaining popularity in Argentina, particularly in urban cocktail scenes. Argentine ginebra stands out for its botanical mix and is often used as a base in cocktails, providing a refreshing and slightly spicy flavor profile.
6) Caña
- Sugarcane-based clear spirit.
Caña is a clear, potent spirit distilled from sugarcane, popular in rural Argentina. Known for its strong, slightly sweet flavor, it’s often consumed in small shots and is a traditional choice in local celebrations and gatherings, reflecting the rural Argentine spirit.
1.2. Liqueurs from Argentina
7) Fernet
- Bitter, aromatic spirit.
Fernet is a bitter, aromatic spirit, often enjoyed as a digestive in Argentina. It’s typically made from a variety of herbs and spices and is famously mixed with cola to create the popular drink ‘Fernet con Coca’. Its unique taste and herbal properties make it a staple in Argentine bars.
8) Licor de Dulce de Leche
- Sweet caramel liqueur.
Licor de Dulce de Leche, a sweet liqueur, embodies Argentina’s love for dulce de leche, a rich caramel spread. This creamy, sweet liqueur is perfect for desserts or as a sweet end to meals, offering a taste of one of Argentina’s most beloved flavors.
9) Licor de Algarroba
- Carob-based sweet liqueur.
Licor de Algarroba, made from the carob tree pods, is a sweet, unique Argentine liqueur. Its taste is reminiscent of chocolate and coffee, making it a favorite for after-dinner drinks or as a flavorful addition to desserts and cocktails.
10) Licor de Higo
- Fig-infused sweet liqueur.
Licor de Higo, a fig-infused liqueur, showcases Argentina’s use of local fruits in spirits. Sweet and rich, it is often enjoyed as a digestif or used to enhance the flavor of various desserts, offering a deep, fruity undertone.
11) Hierbas Serranas
- Herbal mountain liqueur.
Hierbas Serranas is an herbal liqueur, often homemade, reflecting Argentina’s mountainous flora. A blend of various local herbs, it’s enjoyed for its medicinal properties and as a digestif, offering a unique taste of Argentina’s natural bounty.
12) Chañar Liqueur
- Indigenous fruit-based liqueur.
Chañar Liqueur, unique to Argentina, is made from the fruit of the Chañar tree, native to the Andean regions. It has a sweet, earthy taste, often with hints of vanilla and caramel. This liqueur is a testament to Argentina’s use of local natural resources in creating distinctive spirits.
2. Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
2.1. Cocktails & Alcoholic Mixed Drinks from Argentina
13) Fernet con Coca (Fernandito)
- Fernet mixed with and cola.
Fernet con Coca is a beloved Argentine cocktail, combining the bitter, herbal Fernet with sweet cola. This refreshing, easy-to-make drink balances the Fernet’s complexity with cola’s sweetness, making it a popular choice in social gatherings and a symbol of Argentine conviviality.
14) Fernet con Pomelo (Fernandito)
- Fernet mixed with grapefruit.
Fernet con Pomelo mixes the two popular bitter flavors of Argentina, the herbal Fernet and citrusy grapefruit. In Argentina, the term “Fernandito” is used to refer both to Fernet con Coca and Fernet con Pomelo, that is Fernet liqueur mixed with either cola or grapefruit juice/lemonade.
15) Pisco Sour Argentino
- Argentine twist on Pisco Sour.
Pisco Sour Argentino puts an Argentine spin on the classic South American cocktail. Using Argentine Pisco, lime juice, and egg white, it offers a frothy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste, showcasing the adaptability and creativity of Argentine bartenders.
16) Clericó
- Fruit and wine punch.
Clericó is Argentina’s answer to sangria, a refreshing mix of chopped fruits and local white or red wine. Often enjoyed during summer gatherings, it’s known for its fruity, sweet taste and versatility, reflecting Argentina’s abundant produce and wine culture.
17) Tereré con Vino
- Cold herbal tea with wine.
Tereré con Vino is a unique Argentine twist, combining the traditional Paraguayan herbal tea, Tereré, with wine. This unusual mix offers a refreshing and slightly tannic taste, ideal for hot days, and represents the fusion of Argentine and Paraguayan cultures.
18) Pomelo Gin
- Gin and grapefruit mix.
Pomelo Gin is a simple yet refreshing Argentine cocktail, combining gin with grapefruit soda or juice. This drink offers a perfect balance of gin’s botanicals with the tartness of grapefruit, making it a popular choice for a refreshing summer beverage.
19) Lunfardo
- Gin, Malbec, and grapefruit cocktail.
Lunfardo, an innovative Argentine cocktail, blends gin with Malbec wine and grapefruit juice. This sophisticated drink showcases the country’s renowned wine culture and its growing craft gin scene, offering a unique, complex flavor profile.
20) Algarrobina Cocktail
- Carob and rum blend.
The Algarrobina Cocktail is a creamy, sweet drink made with Licor de Algarroba, rum, and cream. It combines the unique flavor of carob with the richness of rum, offering a decadent, dessert-like cocktail, reflecting Argentina’s inventive use of local ingredients.
21) Gancia Batido
- Gancia and fruit blend.
Gancia Batido mixes Gancia, a popular Italian aperitif, with citrus juices and soda. This cocktail is light, refreshing, and effervescent, perfect for Argentine hot summers, showcasing the blend of Italian influence and local tastes.
2.2. Hot Alcoholic Drinks from Argentina
22) Café con Alcoholes
- Coffee and spirits blend.
Café con Alcoholes is a warm, comforting Argentine drink, blending coffee with various spirits like grappa or whiskey. This rich, aromatic beverage is perfect for colder weather, offering a delightful mix of strong coffee and the warming effects of alcohol.
23) Cana con Ruda
- Sugarcane spirit with rue.
Cana con Ruda is a traditional Argentine hot beverage, combining Caña (a sugarcane spirit) with an infusion of rue herb. Consumed particularly on August 1st for its medicinal properties, it’s a cultural staple, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health.
3. Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages
3.1. Wine from Argentina
3.1.1. Red Wine from Argentina
24) Malbec
- Signature Argentine red wine.
Malbec is Argentina’s flagship wine, globally renowned for its rich, deep flavors and smooth tannins. Grown predominantly in Mendoza, it showcases lush notes of blackberry, plum, and spice, making it a favorite among red wine enthusiasts and a symbol of Argentine viticulture.
25) Bonarda
- Second most planted red grape.
Bonarda, once underrated, is gaining recognition for its juicy, medium-bodied wines with flavors of cherry and plum. It’s typically produced in Mendoza and San Juan, showcasing Argentina’s diversity in red wine beyond Malbec.
26) Syrah
- Bold and spicy red wine.
Argentine Syrah is known for its bold flavors, with a balance of fruitiness and spicy undertones. Grown in regions like San Juan and Mendoza, it reflects Argentina’s capability to produce robust, internationally-loved varieties.
27) Cabernet Sauvignon
- Classic full-bodied red wine.
Argentina’s Cabernet Sauvignon offers a full-bodied experience with flavors of black currant, green pepper, and a hint of oak. Predominantly grown in Mendoza, it’s a testament to the country’s versatility in producing classic global varieties with a unique twist.
28) Merlot
- Soft and versatile red wine.
Argentine Merlot is recognized for its softer, more subtle profile compared to Malbec, with notes of raspberry and chocolate. It’s a versatile wine, often enjoyed for its approachability and smooth finish.
29) Pinot Noir
- Light and elegant red wine.
Pinot Noir from Argentina, especially from cooler regions like Patagonia, is known for its elegance and complexity. With notes of red fruits and earthy undertones, it shows the adaptability of Argentine winemaking.
30) Tempranillo
- Traditional Spanish variety.
Tempranillo, though of Spanish origin, thrives in Argentina, offering wines with flavors of cherry, plum, and leather. It’s another example of Argentina’s successful adoption and adaptation of international grape varieties.
31) Tannat
- Rich and tannic red.
Tannat, though less common than Malbec, is gaining popularity in Argentina for its robust and tannic profile. With flavors of dark fruits and often used in blends, it showcases the innovative spirit of Argentine winemakers in exploring diverse varietals.
3.1.2. White Wine from Argentina
32) Torrontés
- Aromatic white wine.
Torrontés, unique to Argentina, is a white wine known for its distinctive aroma, combining notes of rose, peach, and lemon. It’s a refreshing choice, especially from the Salta region, reflecting the country’s ability to produce vibrant and aromatic white wines.
33) Semillón:
- Historic white grape variety.
Semillón, once a dominant variety, is experiencing a revival in Argentina. Known for its waxy texture and flavors of lemon and apple, it’s a part of Argentina’s historic wine heritage, now being rediscovered and appreciated anew.
34) Pedro Giménez
- Argentinian white wine, not to be confused with Spanish Pedro Ximénez.
Pedro Giménez, an Argentine white grape variety (unrelated to Spain’s Pedro Ximénez), produces fresh, fruity wines. It’s often found in blends, contributing to the country’s broad spectrum of white wines.
35) Viognier
- Fragrant and floral white.
Viognier in Argentina is a floral and aromatic white wine, often with notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. It’s a less common variety but showcases the country’s exploration into diverse wine profiles.
36) Chardonnay
- Popular international white variety.
Chardonnay in Argentina is noted for its freshness and balanced acidity. With regions like Uco Valley producing exemplary bottles, it showcases Argentina’s skill in creating whites that are both rich and elegant.
3.1.3. Fortified Wine form Argentina
37) Mistela
- Sweet, fortified grape wine.
Mistela, a sweet, fortified wine, is made by blending unfermented grape juice with brandy. Popular in Argentina’s wine regions, it offers a balance of sweetness and strength, making it a favored aperitif or dessert wine, showcasing the versatility of Argentine winemaking.
3.2. Beer from Argentina
38) Quilmes
- Argentina’s most popular beer.
Quilmes, the iconic Argentine beer, is known for its light, crisp taste and is a staple in bars and gatherings. Brewed since 1888, it symbolizes Argentina’s beer culture, offering a refreshing and approachable lager enjoyed nationwide.
39) Patagonia
- Premium craft-style beer.
Patagonia is recognized for its craft-style beers, offering a range of flavors from hoppy IPAs to smooth amber ales. Its focus on quality and unique Argentine ingredients makes it a favorite among beer enthusiasts seeking something beyond the mainstream.
40) Andes
- Regional beer from Mendoza.
Andes, originating from the Mendoza region, is cherished for its rich flavor and quality. Often associated with the Andes mountains, it provides a diverse range of beers, reflecting the regional characteristics and Argentine passion for brewing.
41) Salta
- Beer from the North.
Salta beer, from the northern region of Argentina, is known for its distinctive taste influenced by local brewing traditions. Its unique character comes from the use of regional ingredients, making it a favorite among those exploring Argentina’s diverse beer culture.
42) Santa Fe
- Traditional Argentine beer.
Santa Fe, a classic Argentine beer, is favored for its consistent quality and traditional brewing methods. Originating from the Santa Fe province, it’s a testament to Argentina’s long-standing beer-making traditions.
43) Córdoba
- Beer with a local touch.
Córdoba beer represents the heart of Argentina’s central region. Known for its variety and quality, it often incorporates local flavors and brewing techniques, offering a distinct taste that’s both traditional and innovative.
44) Imperial
- Quality and variety.
Imperial is an Argentine beer brand noted for its variety and premium quality. Ranging from lagers to stouts, it caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, often regarded as a choice for those seeking a more refined beer experience.
45) Artisanal and Craft Beers
- Innovative local brews.
Artisanal and craft beers like BarbaRoja, Berlina, and Antares reflect Argentina’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Known for their innovative brewing techniques and unique flavors, these breweries are pushing the boundaries, creating beers that are both distinctly Argentine and globally appealing.
3.3. Other Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Drinks from Argentina
46) Cider (Sidra)
- Sparkling drink from apples.
Argentine Cider, known locally as Sidra, is a popular choice, especially during celebrations. It’s typically sweet, sparkling, and made from local apples, embodying the festive spirit and the country’s rich apple-growing tradition.
47) Chicha
- Traditional fermented corn drink.
Chicha is an ancient alcoholic beverage made from fermented corn, with roots in indigenous cultures. In Argentina, it’s a part of regional folklore and consumed mostly in the northern and Andean regions, offering a taste of history and tradition.
4. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
4.1. Cold Alcohol-Free Beverages from Argentina
48) Tereré
- Iced yerba mate infusion.
Tereré, a refreshing cold version of yerba mate, is popular in Argentina, especially in hot weather. It’s prepared with iced water or juice and yerba mate, offering a revitalizing, herbal taste, perfect for cooling down and socializing.
49) Aguas Frescas
- Fresh fruit-infused water.
Aguas Frescas in Argentina are light, refreshing beverages made by infusing water with fresh fruits. They come in a variety of flavors, such as lemon, strawberry, or peach, offering a hydrating and healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
50) Licuados
- Fruit smoothie-like drink.
Licuados are Argentine smoothie-like beverages, blending fresh fruits with water, milk, or yogurt. They are nutritious, customizable, and a favorite among Argentines for a quick, refreshing snack or breakfast.
51) Agua de Cedrón
- Lemon verbena water.
Agua de Cedrón is a fragrant drink made from lemon verbena leaves. Known for its calming properties and delicate citrusy flavor, it’s a popular homemade refreshment, often enjoyed for both its taste and soothing qualities.
52) Pomelo Soda
- Grapefruit-flavored soda.
Pomelo Soda is a popular Argentine soft drink with a sweet and tangy grapefruit flavor. It’s a refreshing choice, especially in the summer months, and a common alternative to traditional colas.
53) Pritty
- Unique lemon-flavored soda.
Pritty is a distinctively Argentine soda, offering a lemon-flavored, slightly sweet taste. It’s a staple in local households and is known for its light, refreshing qualities, making it a popular non-alcoholic option.
54) Horchata de Chufa
- Sweet, nutty rice drink.
Horchata de Chufa, though not originally from Argentina, has gained popularity for its sweet, nutty flavor. Made from tiger nuts, it’s a refreshing and dairy-free alternative, often enjoyed chilled as a summer drink.
55) Raspaditas
- Shaved ice with flavored syrup.
Raspaditas are a favorite Argentine street food, consisting of shaved ice topped with flavored syrups. They’re a hit during hot weather, offering a customizable, icy treat to beat the summer heat.
4.2. Hot Non-Alcoholic Drinks from Argentina
56) Yerba Mate
- Traditional herbal infusion.
Mate is the quintessential Argentine drink, an herbal infusion made from yerba mate leaves. Consumed in a social setting using a hollowed gourd and a metal straw, it offers a robust, earthy flavor and is a symbol of Argentine hospitality and tradition.
57) Mate Cocido
- Brewed yerba mate tea.
Mate Cocido a more accessible version of traditional Mate, prepared by steeping yerba mate leaves in hot water, and served like tea in a cup or teapot. It’s consumed like any other tea and is a great way to enjoy the unique taste of yerba mate without the traditional gourd and straw. It offers the same earthy yerba mate flavor but in a more familiar form for those not accustomed to the traditional Mate ceremony.
58) Submarino
- Hot milk and chocolate drink.
Submarino is a beloved Argentine hot beverage, consisting of a bar of dark chocolate submerged in a cup of hot milk. Stirring the chocolate until it melts creates a creamy, comforting drink, perfect for Argentina’s cooler months.
59) Café con Leche
- Coffee with milk.
Café con Leche, a staple in Argentine cafés, is a simple yet popular drink made with equal parts of coffee and milk. It’s a breakfast favorite, often enjoyed with medialunas (croissants), showcasing Argentina’s European influences in its culinary culture.
60) Cortado
- Espresso with a splash of milk.
Cortado, an espresso cut with a small amount of warm milk to reduce its acidity, is a coffeehouse favorite in Argentina. It’s typically served in a small glass and is perfect for those who want a strong coffee flavor with a touch of creaminess.
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Argentina’s array of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is a testament to the country’s rich history, diverse culture, and its dedication to creating drinks that are both uniquely Argentine and universally enjoyed.