Exploring the Flavors of Mexico: Popular Alcoholic Drinks!
Mexico is a land of traditions and flavors, and its alcoholic beverages are no exception. Each region of the country has its own specialties that reflect the cultural and culinary richness of its surroundings.
Today we venture out to explore the tastier side of Mexico: its popular alcoholic beverages! We already know that tequila is a legend, but there is much more to try! Every corner of the country has its own elixirs, and here are some that will leave you wanting more:
Garañona
This green elixir is a distinctive characteristic of the Magical Town of Metepec. It's said to be made from over 14 herbs, but the recipe has been carefully guarded, and we don't exactly know what each of them is.
Chiva
Bitter and sweet like life," that's the chiva, a typical beverage from the Magical Town of El Oro, located on the borders of the State of Mexico and Michoacán. Artisanally prepared for over a century, this emerald-colored elixir was once in high demand by miners extracting gold from the mines, who – as the stories go – used it to cure frights and frustrations.
Pulque
This millenary beverage originates from the central region of Mexico. It's made from the aguamiel of the maguey plant and is known for its slightly sour taste and nutritional properties. In Mexico City, "pulquerías" offer an authentic experience to taste this traditional drink.
Mezcal
Mezcal is produced in almost every part of Mexico where agaves grow. The northern mezcales and those from Oaxaca are famous, and Santiago Matatlán in Oaxaca is considered the world capital of mezcal. From this impressive region comes the artisanal young mezcal "As de Piedra," which possesses a subtle smoky aroma and an extraordinary balance of minerals, wood, and cooked agave, with delicate herbal notes. The agave matures for three years and is cooked in an artisanal stone oven with ocote, mezquite, and ground oak. Undoubtedly, an ancestral tradition worth savoring.
Sotol
In northern Mexico, especially in Chihuahua, they distill sotol, an alcoholic beverage made from the plant of the same name. It's a smooth and subtle drink that has earned a special place in the culture and traditions of this region.
Xtabentún
Originating from the Yucatán Peninsula, this beverage is made from fermented honey of bees with elixirs from the xtabentún flower. It is known for its sweetness and smooth anise flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of regional cocktails.
Bacanora
Originally from Sonora but popular in the Pacific region, bacanora is another agave spirit that has gained recognition in recent years. Its production is artisanal, and its distinctive flavor captivates those who have the opportunity to taste it.
Mexican wine
Querétaro and the Baja California Peninsula are famous for their vineyards and wine production. The region produces high-quality wines that have gained international recognition, especially their red and white wines.
Charanda
Something like xtabentún is to Yucatán, charanda is to Michoacán. This aguardiente arises from the sweet sugarcane, which thrives in this region due to its climatic conditions. It is through the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane - to which piloncillo and molasses are added - that charanda is produced, with an alcohol percentage between 35 and 40%. It is also a product with a designation of origin, and its birthplace is Uruapan. The flavor is very sweet, similar to vanilla, and bears some resemblance to rum (clearly due to their common origin). To enjoy charanda, it is highly recommended to visit a Michoacán bar, whether in the capital, Morelia, or in one of the nearby towns.
Rompope
Rompope is a delicious and traditional Mexican beverage that has endured through the years. Known for its sweet and creamy taste, rompope is made from milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla essence, with a touch of liquor, usually rum. Its origins date back to colonial times, and its recipe has been passed down through generations. It is especially popular during Christmas celebrations and other festivities, and can be enjoyed both on its own and in cocktails. Rompope is a true delight for the palate and a showcase of Mexico's culinary richness. Just one sip will transport you to the warmth of tradition and the sweetness of this unique drink!
POX
It's a distillate made from sugarcane and corn and is produced in Chiapas. Pox is considered a spiritual beverage, a channel to connect with the spiritual world. In recent years, pox has gained popularity, and in some places, you can find pox fermented with fruits; however, pox blanco is the original version. It is recommended to drink it slowly, as its high alcohol content can be a bit strong on the palate.
Raicilla
Raicilla is the second most important beverage of Jalisco. It is made from two types of agave, pata de mula or lechuguilla, and raicillero. Its taste is smooth, with slight herbal and citrus notes. To make it, the piñas (hearts of the agave plants) are cooked for 24 hours and then crushed to ferment the mixture, which is then distilled for approximately 8 hours.
Liquor of Xoconostle
It is a drink made from the fruit of the nopal. Its name in Nahuatl means "sour prickly pear". Also known as the lemon of the desert for its acid flavor that makes it so characteristic.
It can be consumed in sauces, jams or as an appetizer, but its best presentation is liquor. One of the best producers of this drink is in the mythical pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan.
Harvested in San Martín de las Pirámides, this town near the sacred and historical site of the Pyramid of the Sun, is the perfect place to taste it. Whether on the rocks or in cocktails, it is positioned, along with mezcal, pulque and tequila, as part of the drinks that Mexico has contributed to the world.
Each of these regional alcoholic beverages has its own history and charm, becoming cultural and culinary symbols of every corner of Mexico. When you travel through the country, don't hesitate to try these drinks to immerse yourself in the authentic experience. Cheers and let's toast with these authentic flavors of Mexico! 🇲🇽🍹
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