Most of the viche and the other micro-produced liquors at Petronio came in plastic bottles with conspicuously homemade-looking labels.

BBC: A little liquid courage in Cali, Colombia

We were handed tipples of what tasted like extra spicy eggnog, something resembling cough syrup and just the regular old viche we eventually came to know and tolerate.

BBC: A little liquid courage in Cali, Colombia

So we passed some viche to neighbours on all sides and danced unashamedly, while the locals attempted to teach us how to move to the beats of the Pacific.

BBC: A little liquid courage in Cali, Colombia

At the Petronio, as well as in certain areas of Pacific Colombia, viche is difficult to avoid, as some friendly local will undoubtedly make sure that you always have a full shot glass.

BBC: A little liquid courage in Cali, Colombia

Sadly, for four nights in August, drinking viche was a necessary evil, a rite of passage in the same way that cheap keg beer is a part of university and getting hit in the groin is a disagreeable consequence of riding a mechanical bull.

BBC: A little liquid courage in Cali, Colombia