Carrulim is an ancient drink in the Guarani culture. Its name comes from the combination of its three main ingredients: sugar cane, rue and lemon. It has a deep cultural and spiritual significance, associated with purification and health.
The tradition of carrulim has roots in ancient Guarani beliefs and the influence of Spanish colonisation. It is believed that the Guaranies were already using rue and lemon for their medicinal and spiritual properties before the arrival of the Spanish. The combination with sugar cane gave rise to carrulim as it is known today.
The carrulim is mainly consumed on August 1st, also St. Bartholomew’s Day. It is believed that drinking carrulim on this day helps to cleanse the body and spirit, ensuring health and good fortune to survive the hard month ahead and the rest of the year.
Rue, a plant with medicinal and protective properties, symbolises purification and the elimination of bad luck. Lemon, on the other hand, represents renewal and vitality, while reed brings the energy needed to face the new cycle.
The custom indicates that it should be drunk on an empty stomach, three drinks every first day of August.
Learn how to prepare it in a simple way and enjoy the Paraguayan tradition:
Ingredients
– One litre of sugar cane
– A handful of fresh rue leaves
– 2 lemons
– 3 tablespoons of honey
Instructions
- Crush the Rue Leaves: In a mortar and pestle, crush the rue leaves until they are well crushed.
- Mix Ingredients: In a jug, combine the cane alcohol and the crushed rue leaves. Squeeze the lemon juice into the jug.
- Add Honey: Add honey to the mixture and stir all the ingredients until well integrated.
- Steep: Let the mixture steep for at least 24 hours. For a more intense flavor, you can let it sit for a week or more.
- Strain and Serve: After the steeping period, strain the mixture to remove the rue leaves. Serve the carrulim in small glasses.
The carrulim is much more than an alcoholic beverage, it is an expression of Paraguayan cultural richness and a ritual of spiritual renewal.
Preparing and consuming Carrulim is a way of reconnecting with an important part of Paraguayan history and culture. Each sip is an opportunity to participate in a ritual that has transcended generations, an experience that goes beyond the simple act of drinking.
Now you know one more tradition about Paraguay, get excited to prepare and share this tradition with the people around you!
Cheers!
