Culen ponche is a Chilean drink made from a medicinal herb that grows between the country’s IV and X regions, traditionally used to soothe digestion, and it’s most closely associated with the central valley.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of culen ponche contains approximately 175 kcal, 30 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fat, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 30 g of sugars, 0 mg of cholesterol, and 10 mg of sodium. (*)
(*) Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Make Culen Ponche?
Culen ponche is a golden, sweet-and-sour, aromatic, and very refreshing drink that shares similarities with cola de mono in its ingredients, and it’s also traditionally served during end-of-year celebrations.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
- 450 g sugar
- 250 ml aguardiente (grape spirit)
- 5 sprigs culen herb
- 3 liters water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
Instructions
- In a bowl with warm water, soak the culen sprigs until soft, about 30 minutes, strain the water, and remove the bark with a sharp knife. Set aside.
- In a large pot, add 3 liters of water along with the culen sprigs, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and sugar, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add the aguardiente or Chilean pisco and stir to blend the aromas and flavors, bottle in clean containers, and chill for 24 hours. Serve cold, optionally with ice. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.
Preparation Tips
Always measure the ingredients before starting the preparation so it can be finished within the expected time. You can also make a delicious alcohol-free version by leaving out the aguardiente, turning it into a sweet, digestive infusion perfect for the whole family.
| Substitution | Use instead of | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Chilean pisco | Aguardiente | Similar warmth, milder grape aroma |
| Dried culen (herbal shop) | Fresh culen sprigs | Same herbal profile, slightly milder |
| Brown sugar | White sugar | Deeper, molasses-like sweetness |
| No alcohol (omit) | Aguardiente | Sweet digestive infusion, family-friendly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I find culen herb?
Culen is usually found in herbal shops, farmers markets, or local fairs in Chile, especially between the IV and X regions. It’s also sold in natural medicine stores, both dried and as extracts.
2. What does culen taste like?
Culen has an herbal flavor with a mild bitterness and resinous notes, similar to a blend of mint and eucalyptus. Combined with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar, it takes on a warm, sweet-and-sour, aromatic profile reminiscent of digestive liqueurs.
3. How long can it be stored?
If refrigerated in well-sealed bottles, it can keep for up to 10 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first week for the fullest aroma and flavor. With alcohol, its shelf life extends slightly.
4. Is it suitable for people with digestive issues?
Culen is traditionally used to relieve digestive discomfort, but because of its sugar content, people with diabetes should avoid this preparation or make a sugar-free version.
5. Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the aguardiente or pisco. The process stays the same, and the result is a sweet, digestive herbal infusion suitable for the whole family, including children.
Benefits and Properties of Culen
Culen is a medicinal shrub whose infusion is commonly used as an anthelmintic, to treat indigestion, and in the management of diabetes.
Did You Know?
The scientific name of culen is Psoralea glandulosa, though it’s also known as wallwa, culé or hierba de San Agustín, depending on the country.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
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