Colombian Vegan Oatmeal Drink (Avena)

Ingredients

• 40 g (½ cup)oatmeal
• 240 ml (1 cup)water
• 830 ml (3½ cups)milk alternative of choice, such as oat, soy or almond
• 2 tbsp, or more to tastesugar
• 1cinnamon stick
• optional, to tasteground cinnamon, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Start the mixture

   Put the oatmeal, water and milk alternative in a pot and bring to the boil.

2. 2

   Simmer the oats

   Add the sugar and cinnamon stick. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring regularly to stop the oats catching, until they are soft and cooked.

3. 3

   Chill the drink

   Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a container and refrigerate, ideally overnight or for at least a couple of hours, until cold.

4. 4

   Blend until smooth

   Remove the cinnamon stick and blend the chilled mixture for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and soft. Add a little water or milk alternative if you would like it thinner.

5. 5

   Serve cold

   Pour into glasses and, if desired, sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Drink cold.

What is Colombian avena?

Avena is a Colombian oat drink, served cold and often enjoyed as a filling drink or snack. Oats give it a naturally thick body, while cinnamon brings gentle warmth.

This version uses a milk alternative instead of dairy, with sugar to sweeten. Simmering softens the oats, and blending after chilling gives the drink its smooth, creamy consistency.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 225 calories, 16g protein, 29g carbs, 9g fat.

The oats and sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the milk alternative contributes much of the protein and fat; the balance depends on which one you choose. Pair a glass with fruit or another fibre-rich food for a more rounded snack.

Choosing the ingredients

Milk alternative: Oat, soy and almond drinks all work; choose one you enjoy drinking on its own. Their sweetness and thickness vary, so taste the finished drink before adding extra sugar.

Oats: Rolled or porridge oats soften during the simmer and blend into the drink. The recipe does not specify a particular type, so avoid assuming the cooking time will suit very coarse or steel-cut oats.

Simmer gently

Stirring: Oats can settle and stick to the bottom as the mixture thickens, so stir regularly throughout the 20-minute simmer. Scrape along the base of the pot as you stir.

Doneness: The oats should be soft and cooked before you take the pot off the heat. Keep the heat low enough for a gentle boil rather than a vigorous one.

Chill before blending

Cooling: Let the mixture reach room temperature before refrigerating it. Chilling it overnight is the preferred option, though a couple of hours is given as the minimum.

Blending: Remove the cinnamon stick first, then blend for 2–3 minutes. If the drink is thicker than you like, blend in a little extra water or milk alternative.

Adjust the sweetness and texture

Sweetness: Start with the stated 2 tablespoons of sugar and add more only if needed. The milk alternative you choose may already be sweetened.

Consistency: Avena is meant to be thick and creamy, but the final texture is adjustable. Add liquid gradually so it does not become thinner than you want.

Serving ideas

Serve the drink cold, with a little ground cinnamon on top if you like. It can be enjoyed on its own or alongside a simple breakfast or snack.

Give the drink a stir or a brief re-blend if it thickens while standing in the fridge. Pour it into glasses once it is evenly mixed.

Recipe notes & tips

• Stir regularly during the simmer so the oats do not stick to the pot.
• Use a low heat to keep the mixture from boiling too vigorously.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.
• Remove the cinnamon stick before blending.
• Add extra liquid a little at a time to control the final thickness.
• Taste before adding more sugar, especially if your milk alternative is sweetened.

Variations

• Oat milk: Use oat milk for a particularly oat-forward drink.
• Soy milk: Choose soy milk for a milk alternative with a different flavour and texture.
• Almond milk: Use almond milk for a distinct nutty note.
• Extra cinnamon: Add a light dusting of ground cinnamon when serving.
• Sweeter drink: Add more sugar to taste after blending.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the stirring: Oats can catch on the bottom; stir regularly and scrape the base.
• Using high heat: A vigorous boil can make the mixture harder to manage; keep it at a low simmer.
• Blending while warm: The recipe calls for a cold drink; chill the mixture before blending.
• Leaving in the cinnamon stick: It can interfere with blending; take it out first.
• Adding too much liquid at once: The avena may become too thin; adjust gradually.

How to store

Keep the drink covered in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 days. Stir or briefly re-blend before serving if it has thickened or separated; serve cold rather than reheating.

Frequently asked questions