A Variety of Mexican Beverages

When most people think of Mexican beverages they think of Cerveza, like Corona, Pacifico, or Negro Modelo… god I am getting thirsty, and most of all Tequila. But in all cultures, the right drink paired with the right food is an important part of the entire experience. Imagine having a fine red snapper prepared Mexican style for dinner, then drinking  orange juice or milk? Huh? Healthy, but somehow it just doesn’t fit.

Fortunately, there is a huge variety of tasty, healthy Mexican beverages to go with every meal.

Chocolate is popular in Mexican dishes, or even as a dessert. But it’s more often consumed in the form of a hot chocolate drink in Mexico. Mexican chocolate, tends to be more granular and bitter than that from other countries. That makes it a perfect ingredient for a breakfast or dessert beverage. Melt the chocolate, add a bit of sugar to taste, milk, and voila!

And of course, beer is enjoyed south of the border, where it is called cerveza. And Mexican breweries are second to none in producing some truly great beers. But to make a really great Mexican “drink”, try a Michelada. This drink is a mixture of beer, Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and a little salt around the rim. Wow, tasty!

But you can also enjoy a really great fruit drink with all the flavor and without the alcohol. Aqua fresca (a Mexican cooler) comes in a variety of flavors such as guava, pineapple or mango. The agua de tamarindo is a great favorite, and is made from the tamarind(a tropical tree). For something even lighter try the agua de Jamaica made from the Hibiscus flower.

Naturally, there is the traditional margarita, made from tequila and sweet-n-sour and lime. After that you’ll be ready for a good meal or a good siesta. If you prefer your tequila straight, Salud! But don’t forget the salt and lime.

After dinner try a Mexican coffee. Brew the coffee dark, then liven it up with a shot… or two(wink wink) of tequila, and Kahlua. For a real tasty treat, add the same amount of Rompope, a kind of vanilla Mexican liqueur. Or, for something a little more straightforward, just try a bit of the Rompope all on its own.

Between beer for lunch, pre-dinner margaritas, and an after-dinner Mexican coffee you might just be laying on the floor and the next morning could be a bit dicey. So, maybe you better have some of that milk after all. Now this is my favorite drink of all, served ice cold, horchata!

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, water, cinnamon, almonds, and sugar. But milk is often added as well. It is reputed to be good for hangovers. But even if it’s not, the taste will help you forget your headache and remind you that you are in paradise! Salud!

Have a recipe you want to share? Send me an email: Craig@travelmexicowithme.com