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Cocuy Liqueur A traditional Venezuelan drink full of flavor!

do you know the Cocuy liqueur? Venezuela is one of the Latin American countries with a unique natural beauty, it also has a delicious gastronomic richness, and of course it produces delicious liqueurs that have gone around the world thanks to their quality. Cocuy liqueur is one of the traditional Venezuelan distillates that is making its way into the taste of alcoholic beverages lovers, its powerful flavor and its characteristic aroma make it very attractive.

what is Cocuy Liqueur?

Cocuy liqueur is a Venezuelan distillate obtained from the artisanal processing of the Agave cocui plant species. It has an alcoholic content of 50%, which makes it a strong drink.

Origin of Cocuy Liqueur

Cocuy liqueur is an alcoholic beverage of Venezuelan origin that has been prepared since pre-Columbian times in the semi-arid zones of the Central-Western region, mainly in the states of Lara and Falcón, although there are oral testimonies that assure that it was also prepared in Trujillo and Mérida. The original inhabitants belonging to the Caquetías, Jirajaras and Ayamanes ethnic groups that inhabited these regions prepared a spirit drink from the fermented must of the Agave cocui, which was used in their rituals and community events. From this plant, also known as the plant of wonders, the inhabitants also obtained natural sugars, soapy substances and fiber for weaving their bags, hammocks and espadrilles.

The flowers and shoots of the cocui agave were prepared as pickles, while the fiber left over from the production process was used as a binder for their roofs and adobe blocks, which constituted a fundamental base for their economy.

Today, there are two neighboring regions that produce this liquor: Pecaya in the San Luis mountain range, Falcón state, and Siquisique, Lara state. For Venezuela, Cocuy, like the plant from which it is made, is part of the cultural, ancestral and natural heritage of the nation.

In 2005, the reform of the law allowing the free commercialization of cocuy brandy came into force and Cocuy Pecayero was granted its Denomination of Origin, while Cocuy Pecayero from Siquisique was granted the status of Cultural Heritage of the state of Lara and its Denomination of Origin is currently being processed. During the last few years, cocuy has become one of the most popular liqueurs, its flavor, quality, aroma and cost have allowed it to gradually position itself as one of the favorites.

what is Cocuy Liqueur made of?

Cocuy liqueur is a spirit made from the Agave Cocui plant, which has a certain similarity with the agave tequilana or blue agave. This peculiar plant is found in most of the Venezuelan territory, especially in the northeastern areas.

how is Cocuy Liqueur made?

Cocuy liqueur is made primarily by hand, from the stalk, head or pineapple obtained after removing the leaves of the Agave cocui. First the mature plants are selected, which are dug up and their leaves, or pencas, are cut to leave the internal part, called pineapple, uncovered. These pineapples are placed in a handmade oven, which is made by opening a one meter deep hole in the ground where pieces of wood are introduced to serve as firewood, and rocks that receive the fire directly and serve as a bed for the pineapples that must be covered with the stalks pulled out at the beginning.

Then, all this mixture is covered with sand for between five and eight days. Once this time has elapsed, the pineapples are dug up and the piles are then piled up to extract all the liquid, called vinasse, from the pineapples.

This liquid obtained is left to ferment for several days in a kind of brass barrels, with a capacity of 220 liters, called pipes, and once it has fermented, it is taken to the still for subsequent distillation.

The first liquid extracted from the cocuy is called pringote and can reach 80 degrees alcohol, so it is reserved for medicinal purposes. With the subsequent distillation, the alcohol content is gradually reduced to between 75%, 70% and 65%, until it reaches very low levels known as aguaza. Once the cocuy is distilled, it can be bottled, or it can be macerated with portions of Agave and other botanical elements, but it can also be aged in oak or rubber barrels, thus obtaining an amber-colored liquid, which gives the liqueur greater roundness and harmony.

How to drink Cocuy Liqueur correctly

Cocuy is a liqueur that contains vitamin B3, an amino acid that helps in the metabolism of proteins, cholesterol and fatty acids, besides opening blood vessels and helping to fight diseases such as diabetes. Most people drink it neat, with ice and in small sips, which allows them to enjoy its full flavor, although for some the first sip is a little strong, the second one is less invasive and more pleasant. There are also those who prefer to combine it with soft drinks, juices and other liquors to create different drinks or cocktails.

+2 Drinks with Cocuy liqueur you should know about

Cocuy liqueur is a traditional Venezuelan drink, its flavor is pleasant, its aromas envelop the environment and usually does not leave a hangover, so it ends up being an ally for many.

Cocuy Margarita

It is a delicious recipe that will delight your palate, its ingredients achieve the perfect harmony to fill the moment with flavor. Ingredients what ingredients are needed to prepare this drink?

  • 1 1/2 ounce of cocuy
  • 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce of gum syrup
  • 2 ounces lemon juice
  • 1 slice lemon
  • Salt
  • Ice

How to prepare it is a very easy recipe to prepare! Dare

  1. Frost the rim of a margarita-style glass with the lime wedge and salt. Reserve in the refrigerator
  2. Place the ice together with the liqueurs, lime juice and gum syrup in a cocktail shaker
  3. Shake vigorously for a few seconds
  4. Strain and serve in a chilled glass previously frosted

Manhattan Cocuy

A unique and special recipe that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of this traditional Venezuelan liqueur. Ingredients what are the ingredients of this drink?

  • 3/4 ounces of cocuy
  • 1/2 ounce of red vermouth
  • 6 drops of angostura bitters
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • Ice

How to prepare follow each of the steps and enjoy!

  1. Place the ice together with the liqueurs and the Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker
  2. Shake well for a few seconds to integrate the liquids
  3. Strain and serve in a chilled martini glass
  4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry

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