When we were all in the pandemic, I missed traveling more than anything. I love making that human connection with people from different places, and I'm very curious about what's different from what we do where I'm from. When I had the idea September, wanted to explore history, culture and human connection through drinks. Not only alcoholic, but through the specific ingredients that come from these places. It was about the recipes and the accompanying ceremonies. There are a million food shows out there, and rightfully so. But when you share a meal, there's always a drink.
Surprisingly, the most historically significant drink in Colombia is also the most current: coffee. Colombia is one of the leading exporters of the delicious beans that many of us are obsessed with and depend on every day. I loved visiting Café del Mural in Getsemani for a looser and more creative take on coffee, compared to our visit to Age, an express bar where we enjoyed a slower and more ritualistic experience. Either way, you'll get your fill of caffeine all over town. You honestly can't go wrong anywhere you go, but if you go to Cafe Del Mural, order a beer with a shot of coffee. Trust me!
If you are looking for one to drink drink, alchemist it's an amazing place and has been named one of the 50 best bars in the world. It's really special. The bar is located in a revitalized former colonial mansion and they source all of their hyper-regional ingredients from farms in Colombia that give an innovative and modern twist to the classics. There are three full floors and the overall vibe feels like a sleek and sexy lab. You have to try this spirit that you can only find in Colombia called viche. Similar to moonshine, it has been made under the radar for the past 300 to 400 years, but was recently legalized. I had an amazing cocktail with viche in Alchemy. That, and cocktails made with lulo [a tropical fruit] and Colombian ginger are forever in my brain.
I also can't say enough about our experience at Celele, a prominent restaurant in Cartagena. Two drinks in particular stand out on the menu: the Dirty Collins and the Mama Africa. The Mama Africa is their signature cocktail and is a sensory experience of taste and smell. They spray a fragrance around you and in the glass before the first sip! Other recommendations for amazing meals are: Carmen, CANDE, i Juan del Mar.
The architecture of Cartagena is beautiful; every street and every door is a place in itself. I loved walking around the neighborhoods for this reason, but one of the things you notice the most when you get to the city is the wall. I was told and I also read that it was originally built to protect the city from pirates because the port of Cartagena was a “mouth through which many things passed”. Now, it is a historical symbol reclaimed by the inhabitants who gather at the end of the day to celebrate life when the weather is nice. It is amazing!
Behind the scenes, traveling through Colombia was the adventure. Cartagena had been at the top of my bucket list for a long time, and I really had no expectations, but every restaurant, dish, cocktail, coffee, and person we met left a lasting impression. I will definitely be back for more.
