The Most Popular Mexican Street Drinks
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico and want to enjoy local favorites, don’t forget to explore the fantastic drinks! This guide will help you discover the delicious and refreshing beverages you can try while you’re there. From warm and comforting bowls of champurrado to the zesty taste of a Michelada, Mexican drinks offer something for everyone. Enjoy traditional favorites like aguas frescas, horchata, and jamaica, each providing a unique taste of Mexico’s vibrant drink culture. Don’t miss out on popular options like ponche (punch), margaritas, and mezcal, which showcase the rich flavors of the country.
Aguas Frescas (Fresh Fruit Drinks)
As you wander through busy street markets in Mexico, you’ll probably notice vendors with big containers filled with bright and colorful fruit juices. These tasty drinks are called aguas frescas, which means “freshwater” in Spanish. They are affordable and perfect for cooling down on a hot day, making them a favorite among locals who often buy them in large quantities. If a whole liter sounds too much for you, don’t worry! Vendors usually have smaller sizes available. Aguas Frescas are made by mixing fresh fruit juices with water, and they typically add sugar for sweetness (sometimes you can ask for no sugar or not too sweet). There are endless options to explore, with flavors ranging from papaya with lime to refreshing watermelon, cactus fruit, barley, and tamarind!
Micheladas
A Michelada is a spicy Mexican drink that you might need to get accustomed to, but it’s enjoyable if you like a little kick! This cocktail is made with lager beer, lime juice, and a mix of sauces like hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, various spices, and sometimes even tomato juice. It’s served over ice in a glass with a salted rim, offering a refreshing, tangy, and spicy flavor.
Champurrado
Champurrado is a deliciously thick chocolate drink mainly enjoyed during Christmas and on the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). It’s made from masa (corn flour), combined with water and sometimes milk, along with chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar. This results in a rich drink that’s much thicker than hot chocolate. Champurrado is typically served hot and makes a great breakfast or dessert option with pan dulce or pan de muerto for dipping.
Atole
Atole is a traditional Mexican hot drink with masa (corn flour) and water or milk. It can be flavored with ingredients like cinnamon or chocolate. This drink has a thick, smooth, porridge-like texture, making it a comforting treat, especially during festivals or cool weather. It’s often enjoyed alongside tamales.
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Water)
Commonly known as hibiscus tea, it is a refreshing drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. The petals are boiled in water and sweetened with sugar, resulting in a tangy and deep red drink served cold over ice. It’s especially popular during warm weather and is loved for its health benefits, including helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Mezcal
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican alcoholic drink from the agave plant. The process involves roasting the agave hearts in underground pits, giving them a distinctive smoky flavor. After roasting, the agave is crushed, fermented, and distilled. The artisanal production methods add unique flavors to Mezcal, such as smoky, earthy, and fruity notes. If you’re visiting Oaxaca, famous for its Mezcal, check out the Hierve el Agua PLUS Mezcal Distillery Tour to learn more about this fascinating drink.
Mexican Ponche
Ponche is a warm fruit punch traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is made by simmering a mix of different fruits with water, spices, and sweeteners. Served hot, it has a rich and aromatic flavor that reminds many of enjoying mulled wine during European holidays.
Chamoyada
A Chamoyada is a fun and refreshing Mexican frozen drink that mixes sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shaved ice, chamoy sauce (which is made from pickled fruits like apricots or plums mixed with chili powder, salt, and sugar), fruit juices, and various toppings.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these popular Mexican drinks!
