Ouro Preto, nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, offers a rich and diverse drinking culture that reflects the region’s history and traditions. One of the most iconic beverages to try is cachaça, the traditional Brazilian sugarcane spirit. The area is home to excellent artisanal distilleries, producing smooth, aged varieties that can be enjoyed straight or in a classic caipirinha, a refreshing cocktail made with lime, sugar, and ice. For a deeper experience, visit a local cachaçaria like Barroco Cachaçaria or Taberna, where you can taste different types of this beloved spirit.

For coffee lovers, café mineiro is a must-try. Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s top coffee-producing states, and Ouro Preto’s cafés serve strong, aromatic brews, often accompanied by rapadura (unrefined cane sugar) or Minas cheese. Popular spots like Café Cultural or Deguste Cafeteria offer a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a cup while admiring the town’s colonial architecture. If you prefer something lighter, herbal teas and infusions made from local plants like lemon balm and chamomile are also widely available.

The craft beer scene is also growing in Ouro Preto, with breweries offering a range of flavorful lagers, IPAs, and stouts made with Brazilian ingredients. Bars like Cervejaria Ouropretana and Acaso 85 serve locally brewed options, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. For something uniquely Minas Gerais, try Licor de Jabuticaba, a sweet liqueur made from the native jabuticaba fruit, which makes for a delightful post-dinner treat. Whether sipping a strong coffee, a smooth cachaça, or a locally brewed beer, Ouro Preto offers a delicious taste of Minas Gerais in every glass.