Viche (drink) explained

Viche is a traditional home-brewed alcoholic drink made from sugar cane popular on Colombia’s Pacific Coast. It used to be illegal^[1] but in September 2021 Colombia's senate passed a law^[2] declaring the beverage a part of the country’s "cultural and ancestral heritage," allowing also commercial production.^[3]

Viche has long been used in traditional communities as a ceremonial intoxicant and for medicinal purposes, notably to purge stomach bugs and parasites, and as an aphrodisiac.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Viche contains approximately 35% of alcohol. It can be consumed on its own but it is often mixed with sugary fruit juices.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2018-07-24. Colombian Drinks: Traditional, Popular, Unique, Tasty, and Crazy. 2022-01-03. The Unconventional Route. en-US.
2. Web site: 2021-09-15. El viche del Pacífico makes history as a new law in Colombia – Cali – Colombia. 2022-01-03. Today in 24 English. en-us.
3. Web site: Diakite. Parker. 2021-09-24. Here's Why Afro-Colombian Moonshine Being Listed As Heritage Drink Is Important. 2022-01-03. Travel Noire. en.
4. Web site: Abogados. Vera. 10 October 2021. Viche, part of Colombia's cultural and ancestral heritage - Colombia - MI - Marcasur International. 2022-01-03. Marcasurmi.
5. Web site: 2021-09-15. El viche se convierte en 'patrimonio ancestral y cultural' de Colombia. 2022-01-03. El Tiempo. spanish.
6. Web site: Viche… a la salud del Petronio. 2022-01-03. www.cali.gov.co. es.
7. Web site: Parkin Daniels. Jan. 2021-09-19. African-Colombian moonshine gets official seal of approval as heritage drink. 2022-01-03. The Guardian. en.