If you're like most people who occasionally visit a local Mexican restaurant, you probably associate Mexican meals with margaritas, even if you don't indulge in them yourself. However, Mexico's rich and varied culinary tapestry goes far beyond the quintessential margarita.
Following are four classic Mexican beverages to get you started on your journey of exploration into the rich and diverse world of traditional Mexican drinks. Each of these options can be enjoyed with or without alcohol depending on factors such as age and personal preferences.
Embrace the Sweetness of Horchata
Imagine the sweltering heat of a midsummer Mexican afternoon, a time when your body craves a refreshing escape. That's when you'd typically find a tall glass of horchata on your table. This creamy, rice-based drink is infused with cinnamon and sugar, forming a refreshing and sweet beverage that you can't help but fall in love with. It's the Mexican answer to a thirst-quenching drink on a hot day and a wonderful surprise to your taste buds.
However, horchata can also be enjoyed hot and makes an excellent alternative to hot chocolate on a cold winter night.
Dive Into the Richness of Café de Olla
If you're a coffee enthusiast, you're in for a real treat. Café de olla is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed in earthen clay pots, and it's unlike any coffee you've tasted before. The mixture of cinnamon and piloncillo (a type of unrefined cane sugar) creates a unique, aromatic profile that fills your senses with warmth. Each sip is a hearty embrace, a perfect companion for those colder evenings or early mornings.
Savor the Complexity of Pulque
Pulque is a time-honored Mexican drink with roots that trace back to the pre-Hispanic era. This milky, somewhat viscous beverage is made from the fermented sap of the agave plant. With its unique sour and slightly yeasty flavor, pulque may be an acquired taste for some. But once you come to appreciate its complex flavors, you'll discover it's a drink that truly encapsulates the history and spirit of Mexico.
Feel Refreshed With Agua Fresca
A wide range of agua frescas will greet you as you delve deeper into Mexican beverages. These "fresh waters" are simply fruits, seeds, or flowers blended with sugar and water. Try a vibrant glass of agua de sandía (watermelon) or perhaps the intriguingly delicious agua de tamarindo (tamarind). Each variant is a delightful celebration of natural flavors that leave you refreshed and wanting more.
Visit a local Mexican restaurant to learn more.
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