Mexican drinks

Mexican drinks 

When you visit a country, you learn about its culinary arts. While it’s impossible to cover every aspect of Mexico’s diverse gastronomy, we’ve decided to introduce you to some of its most representative elements, starting with its beverages!

Aguas frescas

The name can be confusing. It’s actually more than just fresh water. Aguas frescas are a mixture of fruits, grain, and seeds diluted with sugar water to create a delicious beverage that is very popular not only in Mexico, but also in other Central American countries and the Caribbean. For Western taste buds, this would be comparable to multi-vitamin fruit juices, but the frequent presence of seeds and even flowers gives aguas frescas a distinct taste. And more often than not, it's completely organic, with no additives or preservatives.

Tequila

When the conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they found that the Maya knew nothing of distillation, and the only alcoholic beverage they produced, which was made from a plant called Agava tequilana, had a relatively low alcohol content, barely higher than the average beer. The conquistadors applied the distillation process to this beverage, creating tequila. Tequila enjoyed ever greater success, first nationally, then internationally, and is now one of Mexico’s major exports. However, we must make one thing clear: the tequila sold in Mexico is of far better quality than what you can find abroad.

Mezcal

Another strong drink made from agave, but using different processes than those used for tequila, mezcal is much less popular internationally, even though it is produced in many more regions of the country. It’s more popular with Mexicans because it’s generally less expensive. Producers often put an agave moth larva in the bottle to clearly differentiate the two spirits, but there’s nothing traditional about the practice.

Mexican beer

Mexico produces a wide range of beers, and there's something for every taste. But except for the famous Corona, lagers are not the most consumed beers here. They lack a bit of character. Brown beers are a different story. Negra Modelo and Bohemia are both extremely popular, and for good reason: they compare favorably with the best beers from England and Belgium.

Above all, steer clear of Tecate, unless you’re insanely thirsty and have no other choice. It's the Mexican equivalent of a Kronenbourg, absolutely tasteless. Sort of like vaguely alcoholic water.

And don't forget to drink in moderation!