A traditional Venezuelan cold beverage made just from three ingredients. The perfect refreshing beverage for a warm, sunny day!
Learning about authentic traditional recipes is one of my passions and I love sharing those recipes with you here on the blog.
When I am researching traditional recipes served around the world, I tend to gravitate towards South American and Latin Recipes. Those recipes just speak to me. Today I'm sharing a traditional Venezuelan cold beverage: Papelón con Limón.
Papelón con Limón is a traditional Venezuelan beverage that quenches your thirst on a hot Summer day. I learned from friend Angie, who is from Venezuela, that workers often drink Papelón con Limón while they are out working in the fields. The drink is so refreshing and helps you cool off in the hot heat.
Only three simple ingredients are needed: piloncillo {panela}, limes, and water! The star of this drink is papelón, panela, or also know as piloncillo, an unrefined sugar cane that is very popular in Latin America. In Mexico it is called pilconcillo. I have been able to find piloncillo in my local Latin grocery store and even in my main stream grocery store. It can be labeled under any other those name. If you can't find it at your local grocery store, you can always order it online.
In some versions of the recipe, you start by making a simple syrup by cooking the piloncillo in water on the stove until the sugar has completely dissolved and you are left with a thick syrup. In the version that I am sharing with you there is no stove required; perfect for making when it is just too hot to turn on the stove. You simply start with a large heat resistant glass pitcher. Add the pilconcillo cone directly into the pitcher. Carefully pour very hot water directly over the sugar. The heat from the water with slowly break down the sugar until it is completely dissolved; it should take 30-40 minutes. I like to continue making dinner while the sugar is dissolving!
Once the sugar has completely dissolved, pour in the lime juice and the cold water. Serve it over lots of ice!
Let us know if you try this recipe! We'd love to see your photo on Instagram using #thymeandlove. I usually share sneak peak of recipes that I am testing or working on. I also share love sharing my travels and adventures over on Snapchat!
Papelón con Limón | Piloncillo and Lime Drink
Satisfy for thirst with this traditional Venezuelan cold beverage made from piloncillo and freshly squeezed lime juice. It's perfect served on a hot, summer day!
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce Piloncillo Cone {also sold as panela}
- 4 Cups Very Hot Water
- 4 Cups Cold Water
- ½ Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- Ice Cubes for serving
Instructions
- Directly add the piloncillo sugar cone into a large heat resistant glass pitcher. Carefully pour the 4 cups of very hot water into the pitcher. Stirring occasionally, let the piloncillo completely dissolve into the water. This can take between 30-40 minutes.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved, pour in the cold water and lime juice, and stir.
- Serve over ice cubes.
- Store the drink the fridge until serving.
XO Jeni
Karen L.
I just dissolved my piloncillo overnight with room temperature waster. I was planning to make a butterscotch ice cream syrup with it. So, one could prepare the sugar water the night before. Thanks.
Mary
Hello 🙂
Just landed here by pure coincidence and love your post. I'm a Venezuelan foodie and I'm always looking for yummy food to share especially Venezuelan food. I appreciate you sharing this awesome drink with the World.
Take care 😉