If you’re looking for the ultimate refreshing drink on a hot day, Colombian limonada de panela (Colombian Sugarcane Limeade) is the answer. Unlike its warm counterpart, which is ideal for chilly nights, this recipe focuses on making a delicious homemade limeade. Iced aguapanela is ice-cold and has the perfect balance between the sweetness of panela and the tangy kick of lime.
Updated: July 2026
Jump to RecipeHaz clic en Limonada de Panela (Aguapanela) para la receta en español.
What is panela?
To understand limonada de panela, we first need to talk about its star ingredient: panela. This is a type of unrefined cane sugar obtained by boiling and evaporating sugarcane juice until a solid, concentrated residue is formed.
Because it’s unrefined, panela keeps the natural vitamins and minerals that white sugar loses. However, keep in mind that it is still a sweetener with a similar caloric intake. Its true value lies in its unique flavor: a delicious, caramel-like sweetness thanks to the natural presence of molasses.
Forms and other names in Latin America
You can easily buy panela in different forms. In Colombia, it’s most common to find it in solid blocks (or pastillas) or as grated panela, which dissolves much faster.
While panela is an absolute staple in Colombia, this ingredient is loved all across Latin America and goes by different names depending on the country:
- Chancaca (Peru and Chile)
- Piloncillo (Mexico)
- Papelón (Venezuela)
- Rapadura (Brazil and Central America)
Its main use varies depending on the climate of each Colombian region. In the Andean region, people drink aguapanela (Colombian Sugarcane Drink) piping-hot to warm up, while in warmer areas, it’s used to make a refreshing limonada de panela with plenty of lime juice and ice. This cold version is also a classic in Venezuela, where it is known as papelón con limón.
Ingredients
To make this refreshing drink, you’ll only need three ingredients: water, panela, and lime.
Step-by-step instructions
- Boil the water: Heat the water in a pot over high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Add the panela: Add the blocks of panela to the boiling water.
- Simmer: Once it boils again, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the panela is completely dissolved.
- Cool and transfer to a pitcher: Remove the pot from the heat and let the aguapanela cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into a pitcher and place it in the fridge to chill completely.
- Add the lime: Stir in the fresh lime juice and mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add ice and serve: Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into the glasses, serve ice-cold, and enjoy!
You might also like:
Aguapanela (Hot Colombian Sugarcane Drink)
Colombian Lulada (Lulo Fruit Drink)
Colombian Vegan Oatmeal Drink (Avena)
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Limonada de Panela (Colombian Sugarcane Limeade)
Ingredients
- 2 l water
- 200 g panela (in blocks or grated)
- juice of 2 limes (or more, to taste)
- ice cubes/crushed ice
Instructions
- Boil and dissolve: simmer the water with the blocks of panela over low heat for 20 minutes until completely dissolved
- Chill: let the aguapanela cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher and place it in the fridge
- Mix and serve: add the fresh lime juice to the pitcher and stir well. Serve in glasses with plenty of ice
Delicious and easy!