Bacan Guaro announced the creation of International Aguardiente Day to be celebrated annually on July 12. Timed ahead of Colombia’s Independence Day on July 20, the new holiday invites the world to discover aguardiente — Colombia’s national spirit — in both its traditional and modern forms.

Aguardiente (pronounced ah-gwar-dee-EN-tay) means “firewater” in Spanish and Portuguese. It refers to a broad category of distilled spirits made from local ingredients — most often sugarcane — and enjoyed in various forms across Latin America and parts of Europe. 

While aguardiente exists in many styles, Colombian aguardiente, known locally as guaro, is distinctively crafted from sugarcane and traditionally infused with anise. An integral part of Colombian life and gatherings, it has long been shared among friends and families as a symbol of connection and joy.

“Guaro is more than a drink — it’s part of our identity as Colombians,” Bacan Co-Founder Diana Espinosa March said in a news release. “With Bacan and now International Aguardiente Day, we’re creating space for our culture to be seen, celebrated, and shared in a modern way. It’s about honoring where we come from while inspiring how the world experiences aguardiente next.”

“Aguardiente hasn’t yet had the global recognition it deserves,” Co-Founder Ricardo March added. “International Aguardiente Day is our way of honoring its heritage and inviting others to discover one of Colombia’s best-kept secrets.”

That recognition is beginning to grow. Once considered rustic or regional, aguardiente is now experiencing a renaissance with producers like Bacan leading the way through innovation, quality, and cultural pride.

Launched in the summer of 2024, Bacan is produced from organic first-press sugarcane, organic star anise, and purified water. It is sugar-free, vegan, and kosher-certified and available in 24% and 29% ABV. Designed for sipping, mixing, or toasting, Bacan’s versatility and clean, aromatic profile have earned it more than 25 top awards and placements on top cocktail lists—including at Michelin-starred restaurants.

“We set out to reimagine aguardiente with a super-premium expression that stays true to its roots while inviting discovery,” Ricardo said. “Seeing Bacan embraced so quickly has been incredible, and we hope International Aguardiente Day brings even more attention to this overlooked category.”

Bacan Guaro retails for $49.99 (700ml), with a Discovery Box of two 200ml bottles available for $34.99. It is imported nationally by Royal Wine Corp. For more information and additional cocktail recipes, visit www.bacanguaro.com.

Below are cocktail recipes that can be made using aguardiente:

Champaguaro

An easy and elegant two-ingredient toast

Created by Elcielo Restaurant, Miami, FL – Michelin-starred

1 oz. Bacan Guaro 24 or 29

3 oz. Champagne (Brut or Nature), well chilled

Directions: Add Bacan to a flute or coupe and top with chilled Champagne. Garnish with a strawberry on the rim. (A dry sparkling wine can be substituted for Champagne.)

Guaro Lychee

A tropically themed, spritz-style cocktail

2 oz. Bacan Guaro 29

1 oz. lime juice

1 oz. simple syrup

1½ oz. lychee water

Tonic water

Directions: Add all ingredients except tonic to a shaker with ice and shake well. Double strain over ice into a large wine glass. Top with tonic water and garnish with lychee and mint threaded on a cocktail pick.

Read more: Colombian Spirit Bacan Guaro Coming to U.S.