Ecuadorian Colada
If you’ve ever sipped a warm, silky oat drink in an Ecuadorian home, you know just how comforting it is. This Ecuadorian Colada is thick, creamy, lightly spiced, and naturally sweet, the kind of nourishing drink that feels like a hug in a mug. Made with cinnamon, apples, oats, milk, and maple syrup, it’s wholesome enough for breakfast yet cozy enough for an evening treat. Whether you drink it warm or chilled, this traditional-style colada is simple, soothing, and incredibly satisfying.
What You Need to Make Ecuadorian Colada
You only need a few pantry staples to make this creamy oat-based drink:
- Water
- Cinnamon sticks
- Oats (soaked until expanded)
- Apples
- Milk of choice
- Maple syrup
How to Make Ecuadorian Colada (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a smooth, creamy, cinnamon-infused drink:
Simmer the cinnamon
In a medium pot, add the water and cinnamon sticks. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the liquid turns deep brown and fragrant.
Remove the cinnamon sticks
Take out the sticks or strain them from the pot.
Cook the apples
Add the sliced apples and let them cook on medium heat until soft.
Add the soaked oats
Stir in the soaked oats along with their soaking water. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick.
Add the milk
Pour in your milk of choice. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
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Blend until smooth
Transfer to a blender, add the maple syrup, and blend until silky and creamy.
Serve warm or chilled. Both ways are delicious.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats or traditional oats work best because they soften quickly. Steel-cut oats won’t break down enough for a smooth texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully.
Can I sweeten it differently?
Absolutely. Honey, panela, brown sugar, or agave can be used instead of maple syrup.
How should I serve it?
You can enjoy it warm, room temperature, or chilled. Kids especially love it cold.
How long does it keep?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving — it naturally thickens as it sits.
Ecuadorian Colada
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the water and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer until the water turns a deep brown and fragrant, about 15–20 minutes.
- Remove or strain out the cinnamon sticks.
- Add the apple slices to the pot and cook on medium heat until the apples soften
- Stir in the soaked oats along with the soaking water. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the milk, let it come to a boil and then remove from heat. Let it cool for 15- 20 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender, add maple syrup, and blend until smooth.
