Sip on this Colombian Avena, a creamy cinnamon-spiced oatmeal drink that's both nourishing and nostalgic.
There’s a funny thing that happens just before you fall asleep—those fleeting thoughts that drift in quietly, uninvited. Sometimes it’s a mental checklist for tomorrow. Sometimes it’s a craving for a steaming cup of Colombian hot chocolate. And sometimes, if you're like me, it’s a taste. A whisper of a flavor from somewhere deep in your past. One you haven’t thought about in years, but suddenly, it’s there. For me, that night, it was Avena.
I hadn’t thought about this creamy, spiced oat drink in decades. But as I lay in bed, somewhere between awake and dreaming, I could almost feel it. The gentle warmth of cinnamon, the softness of blended oats, a hint of sweetness that comforted without overwhelming. It wasn’t just a craving, it was a memory tugging at me. The next morning, I couldn’t shake it. Where had that flavor come from? Why now?
I suppose cinnamon has always been my thread, from my canelazo cocktail and traditional aguapanela. Tying those memories together through childhood kitchens, quiet mornings, and now, late-night thoughts of a drink I hadn’t tasted in years.
Days passed, and that thought stayed with me. It wasn’t until a trip to Colombia with my husband that everything finally clicked into place.
A Café Corner Where Nostalgia Found Me
We were in Bogotá, my husband and I, wandering through cobbled streets that seemed to hum with stories. It was one of those mornings where the air was cool, the kind that makes you crave something comforting. A local friend had sent us on a mission. Find this tiny café tucked between bright buildings and, no matter what, “Order the avena. Trust me.”
I didn’t hesitate. Traveling has always been as much about taste as it is about sights for me, especially if it's discovering Colombian recipes. So I ordered the avena, expecting something new. But what I got was something deeply familiar.
That first sip stopped me in my tracks. Suddenly, I wasn’t in a Colombian café anymore. I was back in my grandmother’s kitchen, small hands wrapped around a warm glass, a spoonful of chicken sancocho or sweet plantains in coconut milk in the other, feeling the quiet comfort of early mornings before school. The delicious drink in Bogotá was smoother, more refined, but the heart of it was the same. Oats. Cinnamon. Sweetness that felt like a hug.
I didn’t realize how much I’d missed that feeling until it was right there in front of me, warming my hands, softening the edges of a busy travel day.
After that first sip, I knew I couldn’t leave avena behind in Bogotá. When we got home, I found myself reaching for oats and cinnamon, chasing that same cozy flavor. I wasn’t doing it just for nostalgia’s sake. I was doing it for the kids.
So they’d have a taste of something grounding, something they could carry with them. One day, when life feels a little too fast, maybe they’ll remember the quiet comfort of cinnamon, oats, and our mornings spent together.
What’s Avena? What Are Its Health Benefits?
If you’ve never heard of Avena, think of it as Colombia’s answer to a comforting oat latte, only without the coffee, and with a lot more heart.
At its core, Avena Colombiana is a creamy oatmeal drink, made by simmering oats with milk, water, cinnamon, cloves, and just enough sweetness to make each sip feel like a treat. It’s a staple across Colombian homes and cafés, especially as part of breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Served warm or chilled, it’s the kind of drink that feels like it should be sipped slowly, even if you’re rushing out the door. It kinda feels like a warm, liquid form of cinnamon and fruit overnight oats.
But beyond its nostalgic charm and cozy flavor, avena has quietly been doing what trendy oat drinks are only now getting credit for, it’s nourishing, simple, and surprisingly good for you.
Oats bring natural fiber, keeping you full longer and helping with digestion. The cinnamon and cloves aren’t just for flavor, they’re known for their anti-inflammatory properties and for balancing blood sugar. And when made with panela (an unrefined cane sugar common in Colombia), you get a hint of caramel-like sweetness along with trace minerals.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats – The heart of Colombian Avena. I always reach for rolled oats because they give the drink that perfect creamy texture without turning too thick. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they don’t have the same body or subtle chew that makes Avena feel like a hug in a glass. Steel-cut oats are too coarse for this, stick to rolled for that classic smoothness.
- Whole Milk – This is what transforms Avena from a simple oat drink into something truly comforting. Whole milk gives it richness and that velvety finish I remembered from Colombia. You can try it with oat milk and almond milk when making a dairy-free version, and while lighter, it still captures the essence, just know it will have a thinner consistency.
- Cinnamon Stick and Cloves – These spices are what first hit your senses. Ground cinnamon alone won’t give the same depth; using a whole stick and cloves while simmering creates a more rounded, aromatic base.
- Panela – Traditional Colombian Avena gets its subtle sweetness from panela, an unrefined cane sugar that brings hints of molasses and caramel. It’s what gives this drink its distinct flavor, richer than plain sugar. If you can’t find panela, brown sugar can be a decent substitute, but if you spot panela at a Latin market, grab it.
See the recipe card for full list and exact quantities.
How to Make Colombian Avena (Oatmeal Drink) Recipe
This Colombian Avena comes together in gentle, simple steps, the kind that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and comfort. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s easy to make and feels like a quiet return to something familiar.
Rinse the Oats
Start by rinsing the rolled oats under cold water to remove excess starch. This keeps the final drink smooth rather than overly thick. Drain well and set aside.
Simmer with Spices
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed oats with water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves, letting everything bubble softly for about 15 minutes, until the oats are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Cool and Blend
Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Add Milk and Sweeten
Pour the blended oats back into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the whole milk and panela, letting it melt slowly into the mixture. Keep stirring gently until everything is heated through and the panela is fully dissolved, giving the avena its signature caramel-kissed sweetness.
Sprinkle Spice and Enjoy
Pour the warm avena into glasses or mugs, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg, and enjoy it either cozy and warm or chilled after a few hours in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good stir, as the oats like to settle at the bottom.
Storage
Once you’ve made a batch of Colombian Avena and you have some leftovers. You can pour any leftovers into a glass bottle or airtight container and keep it in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Just remember, avena has a habit of settling as it rests, that’s part of its charm. Before serving, give it a good shake or stir to bring it back to that creamy consistency. Sometimes I’ll even warm a small cup on the stove if I’m craving something cozy, but honestly, chilled straight from the fridge with a sprinkle of cinnamon is how I enjoy it most.
Top Tips
Rinse the Oats Well – I learned the hard way that skipping this step can leave your avena with a slightly bitter or "raw" taste. Give your oats a good rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, it makes a difference in creating that smooth, clean flavor.
Simmer Slowly for Better Flavor – don’t rush the cooking process. Letting the oats, cinnamon stick, and cloves simmer gently allows the spices to fully infuse. I like to use this time to prep breakfast or just enjoy the scent filling the kitchen.
Blend Until Silky Smooth – the texture is everything in a good avena. I’ve found that blending a little longer than you think necessary gives you that café-quality creaminess. If you prefer a thinner drink, you can always add a splash more milk after blending.
Recipe
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Colombian Avena Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk or plant-based milk for a vegan version
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- ¼ cup panela grated (or brown sugar if needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for garnish
- freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Place the rolled oats in a sieve and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps keep your avena smooth and prevents it from becoming too thick.
- In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed oats and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves, letting everything simmer for about 15 minutes until the oats are soft and the mixture slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick and cloves, and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended oats back into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk and panela. Cook gently, stirring often, until the panela dissolves completely and the avena is heated through.
- Pour the avena into glasses or mugs. Sprinkle each with a dash of ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg for that aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately for a cozy drink, or let it cool and refrigerate for a few hours if you prefer a refreshing drink. Just remember to stir well before serving, as the oats like to settle.
Nutrition
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