Top 3 Drinks in Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca has arguably the best food in Mexico and the same goes for its beverages. Contributing to its delicious recipes are a wide range of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques that date back to pre-Hispanic times. Popular for its street food, as recently seen on the Netflix series Street Food: Latin America, the food and drinks in this region cannot be missed.
For a list of Oaxaca’s must-try foods, please make sure to check out the Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca. For a list of its Top 3 drinks, please keep reading.
Top 3 Drinks in Oaxaca - Tejate bought from the stall at the entrance of Casa Mayordomo
1. Tejate
Tejate is a non-alcoholic drink native to Oaxaca and made with local ingredients: corn, cacao beans, and cacao flowers. Typically served cold with a traditional jícara (a small round wooden bowl), Tejate is refreshing and has a distinct taste, nothing like you’ve ever had before.
It can be found in stalls on street corners or in Oaxaca’s local markets. When in Oaxaca City, I recommend buying from the stall at the entrance of Casa Mayordomo on Calle Macedonio Alcalá. The Doña there serves delicious Tejate starting at 15 Mexican Pesos ($0.75 USD). It will be a refreshing treat for your walk to Zócalo.
2. Mezcal
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic drink made of maguey/agave (maguey is a type of agave) with a distillation process that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Although, the origin story of mezcal is a controversial one, in modern times, Oaxaca is the undisputed home of the spirit.
The best way to have mezcal is sipped neat so you can appreciate the flavors. Another way is to pair it with chapulines as a snack. To learn more about chapulines, make sure to read the Top 5 Foods in Oaxaca.
3. Hot Chocolate
Chocolate is significant in Oaxacan cuisine and found in both its food and beverages. The hot chocolate, in particular, is like none other. It is deliciously made with roasted then grinded cacao beans, sugar, and hot water. You will also find it made with additional spices, such as cinnamon, and milk instead of water.
Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. And make sure when you do, have a slice of bread nearby for dipping. Mmm mm!
Have you tried any of these drinks? Tell me about your experience.
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Enjoy,
-Natali-
Noted photos are owned by the author Natali Martinez and others were sourced from Pexels