The Story Behind Colombian Refajo
Refajo is Colombia's most cheerful party drink — a deceptively simple mixture of beer and colombiana soda (a sweet, locally made kola champagne) that has become inseparable from the country's festive culture. While it sounds like something invented on a whim at a backyard barbecue, refajo has deep roots in Colombia's working-class coastal culture, where the heat makes cold, refreshing drinks a serious matter. The beer (typically a light lager like Aguila or Club Colombia) cuts through the sweetness of the colombiana, while the soda adds effervescence, color, and a fruity sweetness that makes the result far more drinkable than beer alone on a 40-degree Caribbean afternoon.
Colombiana soda itself has a long history — originally produced by Postobon, Colombia's dominant beverage company, since the early 20th century. It was formulated as a local alternative to imported American colas and became one of the most consumed soft drinks in the country, especially on the Caribbean Coast and in the coffee-growing regions. The refajo became particularly associated with costeno (coastal) culture and is the drink of choice at asados (barbecues), fiestas, and any gathering where the goal is maximum conviviality. Purists insist that colombiana is the only acceptable mixer, but the spirit of refajo is less about rules than about the pleasure of sharing a cold drink on a warm evening.
What I like about refajo is that it refuses to be pretentious. It is not a cocktail that needs shaking, straining, bitters, or a garnish carved into a flower. It is built for pitchers, plastic cups, grilled meat, loud music, and people hanging around the table long after the food is served. The soda softens the beer's bitterness, the beer keeps the soda from feeling too sweet, and together they create a drink that is light, fizzy, and easy to share.
As Chef Ruben, I think drinks like this matter because they belong to real gatherings. Refajo pairs beautifully with Colombian barbecue, empanadas, arepas, chorizo, grilled chicken, and anything smoky or salty. It is also flexible: some people make it stronger, some lighter, some with more soda for sweetness. The point is refreshment and connection. A cold pitcher of refajo on the table says the meal is relaxed, the company is good, and nobody is in a hurry.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle lager beer
- 1 cup Colombiana soda (or any cola-flavored soda)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Mix the Beer and Soda:
- In a tall glass, pour the lager beer.
- Add 1 cup of Colombiana soda or any cola-flavored soda.
- Stir gently to combine, being careful not to lose the fizz.
- Serve:
- Fill the glass with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, fizzy blend of beer and soda—a classic Colombian treat!
Tips for Success:
- For the most authentic taste, use Colombiana soda, a traditional Colombian cola-flavored soda.
- Serve chilled beer and soda for the best flavor and refreshment.
- Adjust the soda-to-beer ratio to suit your sweetness preference.
Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:
- Pair this Refajo with Colombian empanadas or enjoy as a refreshing drink for BBQs and outdoor gatherings.
