Colombian Refajo: Light Beer and Colombiana Soda

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Colombian party refresher: sweet, malty, citrusy, and ultra-bubbly.
• Ready in minutes—ideal alongside asados and fritanga.
• Balanced 1:1 ratio that you can tweak for more or less sweetness.
• Scales effortlessly from one glass to a crowd-pleasing pitcher.

Grocery List

• Produce: Limes (2–3)
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: Light lager beer, Colombiana soda, coarse salt (optional), Angostura bitters (optional), aguardiente (optional), ice

Full Ingredients

For 4 Refajos

• 2 (12 oz / 355 mL) light lager beers, well chilled to 38–40°F (3–4°C)
• 2 (12 oz / 355 mL) Colombiana sodas, well chilled to 38–40°F (3–4°C)
• 4 cups ice cubes (about 520 g)
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Optional Salt Rim

• 2 tablespoons coarse salt or flaky salt
• 1 additional lime wedge

Optional Extras

• 2 oz (60 mL) aguardiente (about 1/2 oz per glass), for a boozier sip
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters (1 dash per glass), to tame sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill everything thoroughly

For the most refreshing refajo, chill the beer, Colombiana soda, and glasses until very cold—aim for 38–40°F (3–4°C). Cold liquid stays fizzier, pours with less foam, and tastes cleaner with the lime.

Step 2: Prep lime wedges and optional salted rims

Cut the limes into wedges. If using a salted rim, pour the coarse salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each highball glass, then dip the rim into the salt to coat lightly. Avoid heavy salt so it doesn’t overpower the drink.

Step 3: Add ice to the glasses

Fill each glass with about 1 cup of fresh ice. Clear, hard ice melts more slowly and keeps the drink crisper—perfect for a cookout or long lunch.

Step 4: Pour equal parts beer and Colombiana

Hold a glass at a gentle 45-degree angle and pour in 6 oz beer. Still holding the glass tilted, pour in 6 oz Colombiana. This keeps foam in check and preserves carbonation. Repeat for all glasses. Do not stir; the bubbles will mingle the flavors.

Step 5: Add optional accents

If you like, add about 1/2 oz aguardiente to each glass for a festive kick or a dash of Angostura bitters to balance sweetness. Both are traditional touches in many Colombian homes.

Step 6: Lime, garnish, and serve

Squeeze a lime wedge into each glass, drop it in, and garnish with another wedge on the rim. Serve immediately while icy and effervescent. Ideal serving temperature is still 38–40°F (3–4°C).

Pro Tips

• Colder is better: pre-chill both liquids and the glasses to keep carbonation lively.
• Pour on a tilt to control foam; avoid stirring, which knocks out bubbles.
• Taste and tweak: for a drier refajo, use 2 parts beer to 1 part Colombiana.
• Use fresh, juicy limes—older limes can taste bitter.
• For parties, keep backup bottles on ice and build glasses to order.

Variations

• Menos Dulce (Less Sweet): 2:1 beer to Colombiana for a crisper profile with less sugar.
• Con Aguardiente: Add a 1/2–1 oz float of aguardiente per glass for a celebratory kick.
• Refajo Negra: Swap in a dark lager or malta for a toastier, caramel-forward version.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refajo is best assembled right before serving so it stays bubbly. You can pre-chill the beer, soda, and glasses up to 24 hours ahead and cut limes up to 4 hours ahead (refrigerate, covered). Do not pre-mix in a pitcher unless you will serve immediately—carbonation fades quickly.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate for one 12 oz (355 mL) drink without optional alcohol or salt: 120–130 calories; 0 g fat; 0–1 g protein; 26–28 g carbs (22–24 g sugars); ~2% ABV (assuming 4% ABV beer, 1:1 with soda). Values will vary with brands and options.