Around Cartagena there is only one drink that goes with breakfast and that is an Asiatico.
This is a powerful concoction that is guaranteed to get the heart started and those wishing to be safe enjoy a couple each morning.
The origin of the local specialty is lost in the mists of history but one thing is certain – despite its name you won´t find it anywhere in Asia.
A plausible theory says that the name Asiatico originates in the hard days when Cartagena was a tough industrial city, with shipyards, mines and heavy industry. Work was also hard in the countryside with few machines to help with the back breaking daily labour. Sciatica is a very painful condition which affects the sciatic nerve along the back of the leg and it often results from unusual movements or injury. Sciatica is “ciático” in Spanish and the speculation is that the Asiatico was developed for ciático.
Anyway, today Asiaticos are enjoyed by everyone and they are available in all cafes. Usually, they are made in a special glass which helps the barman judge the quantities and they are made individually to order at the coffee machine.
An official publication describes how to make Asiaticos for a group of people.
One litre of expresso coffee
150g of condensed milk
Two sticks of cinnamon
Licor 43
Brandy
Ground cinnamon
Lemon peel
Sugar
Licor 43 is a famous local liqueur with a sweet taste made in Cartagena.
Brew up the coffee and drop the two sticks of cinnamon into it. Put in the rest of the ingredients and whisk together. Pour into glasses and sprinkle the ground cinnamon on top.
An ideal way to start the day.
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©Phillip Bruce 2009.
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