Asunción, Agencia IP.- The renowned international food platform TasteAtlas has once again placed Paraguay on the global culinary map by recently highlighting cocido quemado, one of the country’s most traditional and representative beverages.
Through its social media channels, TasteAtlas shared a post dedicated exclusively to this iconic infusion, emphasizing not only its distinctive flavor but also the unique artisanal technique used in its preparation, regarded as one of the most authentic in South America.
According to the platform, Paraguayan cocido quemado is prepared using a rustic traditional method in which a glowing charcoal ember is placed directly onto a plate containing sugar and citrus peels, usually orange or lemon. The intense heat instantly melts and caramelizes the sugar while releasing the essential oils from the peels, creating a highly aromatic base with distinctive smoky notes.
TasteAtlas also noted that in many preparations, yerba mate is added to the mixture and lightly toasted alongside the caramelized sugar, further intensifying the drink’s characteristic flavor and aroma.
Once the ingredients reach the desired caramelization point, boiling water or hot milk is added, allowing the mixture to dissolve completely. The liquid is then strained, resulting in a delicious, comforting beverage with a bold flavor that is widely consumed in Paraguayan households, especially during the winter months.
The platform further highlighted that the direct use of glowing embers gives the drink an authentic smoky profile that is difficult to replicate using modern cooking methods.
TasteAtlas’ recognition represents another step forward for Paraguayan gastronomy, which in recent years has gained increasing international visibility thanks to traditional dishes and beverages that reflect the country’s cultural identity.
The post, accompanied by a video from content creator Guido Penayo, sparked positive reactions among Paraguayans both inside and outside the country, many celebrating the growing international recognition of one of the most beloved beverages in Paraguayan culture.