When we talk about traditional Mexican drinks, I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is “Tequila” with lemon and salt or a good mezcal.
This is not a surprise, they have earned the recognition of being two of the most famous traditional Mexican drinks.
But beyond those two there are more typical Mexican drinks that are just as good and deserve recognition.
If you are Mexican, you surely know them all, whether you have tried them or not. If you are a foreigner let’s see how knowledgeable you are about typical Mexican drinks.
1. Tequila
Of course, this drink had to be the number one place, considered by many as one of the best manufactured alcoholic beverages in the world.
Tequila has a very interesting production process, as well as its special and strong flavor.
Jalisco is the birthplace of the most famous Mexican drink in the world, which is why the Tequila Route is located right there.
This well-known drink is obtained from the fermentation with yeast and distillation of the juices of the blue agave, which must be between six and ten years of maturation. After the entire process, the tequila is deposited in wooden barrels.
Those who like Tequila know that there is nothing like a good “caballito” with lemon and salt to celebrate, especially during the national holidays.
It must also be mentioned that it has multiple benefits but we will talk about those later. There’s an old saying in Mexico: “Dinero, tequila y amor… no hay otra cosa mejor” (money, tequila, and love…there is nothing better).
2. Mezcal
It is a traditional drink from Oaxaca. The legend says that lightning struck an agave plant, opening and cooking its center.
The natives perceived the aroma of the nectar that emanated and drank the liquid that, according to them, their gods had given them.
This is how mezcal was born, chosen as the second most representative drink of Mexico.
Although this drink also serves as a traditional medicine, it is also one of the essentials in Mexican festivals, and as the saying goes “for all evil, a good mezcal, and for all good, too”, there is no way we can deny it.
3. Pulque
It has a pre-Hispanic origin, a traditional drink from Hidalgo and the central part of the country, it was considered for many years as exclusive to the lower classes.
It was also very important during the Conquest since the taxes collected from sales and production were essential for the economy of the Cologne.
Today Pulque is experiencing one of his best moments. Its preparation begins with the fermentation of the heart of maguey or aguamiel through the process known as “raspado”, which is carried out by a “tlachiquero”.
When the maguey reaches a certain age, the center is extracted and scraped to release the juice, which is fermented in 24 hours.
4. Pozol
Since pre-Hispanic times, the Chontal Mayans called it “pochotl” and consumed it to quench thirst and quench hunger.
This drink, made mainly by women, was a relief for travelers who found in the pozol everything they needed to resist the heat during their long journey.
Coming mainly from the fields of Tabasco and Chiapas where corn and cocoa became the ideal combination to be a typical drink from the Mexican southeast.
It is a fermentation based on corn and seasoned with salt and chili, it can be found in three flavors: Cocoa, white or sour, although in some regions it is also prepared with pixtle (red sapote seed).
It is one of the favorite drinks among Mexicans because as the saying goes: “Whoever tries pozol no longer returns from where it came from. He will stay here to live forever.”
5. Tepache
Tepache is a drink belonging to the pre-Hispanic era of the center and southeast of the country, it contains approximately 1% alcohol.
In Hidalgo, Mexico City, and Puebla it is prepared from fermented fruits.
It comes from the Nahuatl word “Tepatli”, which means “corn drink” since originally this traditional Mexican drink was made from corn.
The preparation of tepache requires four days: in the first two days, pieces of pineapple pulp and peel are allowed to rest in a clay pot with cloves and cinnamon, then a mixture of barley and piloncillo, previously boiled, is added, which is They let it ferment for another two days.
Delicious and refreshing!
6. Tejuino
Archaeological remains in Jalisco have shown that tejuino has been made and consumed in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times, approximately seven thousand years ago.
For this reason, this ancient drink is the most representative of Western Mexico.
In Coahuila and Sonora it can be found in street stalls and ice cream parlors, in Jalisco it is added, like tequila, salt, and lemon, while in San Luis Potosí and Puebla, it contains prickly pear and rosewood peel.
With a bittersweet flavor and low alcohol content, this thick drink with a brown color that resembles cold atole is known as “the delicacy of the Huichol gods.”
7. Torito
A traditional drink from Veracruz, a favorite to cool off on hot days and on these traditional dates where everyone is always happy.
Over the years it has been perfected and has acquired great popularity, famous for its sweetness, its creamy consistency but with a powerful touch of cane liquor that knows how to hide very well.
8. Xtabentun
It is a traditional drink from Yucatan, it is famous for being a little strong despite its sweet flavor.
When you try it, you experience a dizzying sensation, which, as the residents say, is reminiscent of the legend of Xtabay, a beautiful and beautiful prostitute who made men fall in love, leaving them with that same effect, that of intoxicating and sweet love.
The ingenuity of the Mayans made them ferment the honey that the bees produced to obtain this liquor.
It is prepared with anise or rum and is usually served alone, with honey or even put in coffee.
Distilled from the flower of the same name, Xtabentún is the most famous drink of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its name, of Mayan origin, means “vine that grows on the stone.”
9. Charanda
Michoacán also has a drink to contribute to the country, “La Charanda”, which in Purepecha means “Tierra Colorada”, a preparation from the Uruapan area, it receives its name in honor of the Cerro de la Charanda, where the first distillery of the region was built.
Currently, it has the “Denomination of Origin” label, giving Michoacans the recognition of being the authentic “Rum of Mexico”, a distinction that represents all the pride of the locals in a drink that many enjoy when drinking.
If you have the opportunity try it and the best of all is that it is completely made in Mexico.
10. Sotol
Sotol comes from Chihuahua, it takes its name from the desert plant from which it is obtained.
Its flavor is similar to tequila, but stronger, it has been produced only in an artisanal way by Tarahumaras and Anazasis for 800 years.
Throughout history, the sotolera tradition has been used by indigenous people in religious ceremonies and as a medicinal remedy.
Currently, sotol is considered the typical drink of Chihuahua, which, it should be mentioned, has managed to conquer the most demanding palates.
Do you dare to try it?
11. Mexican Beer
Although it is not a completely Mexican drink, in the opinion of most, Mexican beers are some of the best in the world, so this is a good excuse to share one with your friends during the party on September 15.
We suggest you try one of the craft beers that have become very popular lately due to their exquisite flavor.
This type of beer is completely different from industrial beer and more attractive in flavor and presentation.
Each brewer develops their own formula or their own recipe, which is why you will find different flavors even within the same type of beer, which makes it a more expensive product than the normal one.
After seeing all these Mexican drinks, it is clear to us that we are experts in the art of making drinks that make anyone happy.
But there are also fresh waters like Horchata, Jamaica, and various fruits, I am sure that more than one already heard of or tried them.
With all these typical Mexican drinks I have nothing left to say Cheers! And long live Mexico!