The 33 Best Mexican Drinks That You’ll Crave Even After the First Sip
Wondering about the best drinks in Mexico?
You’re in the right place as I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and traveled to more than half the states in the country, so I know Mexico drinks very well!
In this article, I’ll show you more than 33 of the most popular drinks in Mexico that you need to try. If you’re thinking it’s all just tequila and beer — think again!
From classic and beloved Mexican cocktails and alcohol drinks, like the Margarita, to lesser known boozy beverages, like the carajillo, you’ll be surprised at all your options.
For those who prefer Mexican drinking sin alcohol (without alcohol), I’ve got you covered too, as there are LOTS of great non alcoholic drinks from Mexico.
In short, Mexico drinks go way beyond tequila and Mexican coke — so let’s get to this epic list of the 33 best traditional Mexican drinks everyone should know about!
The Best Mexican Drinks to Quench Your Thirst
1. Tequila
Curious about the best Mexican liquors? Tequila is the most famous — perhaps infamous — of all Mexican alcoholic drinks.
There are many who are a hard no on tequila, and that’s OK, but it also might be because people drink too much of it, and too fast.
For the record: Tequila is an alcoholic beverage that should be sipped, not taken as a shot.
If you don’t care for it straight up, there are plenty of tequila cocktails like ranch water, tequila sunrise, tequila lemonade and the Mexican mule.
This is a Mexican take on the Moscow mule, but with tequila instead of vodka.
What is tequila?
This well-known Mexico drink is a liquor that comes from the distilled agave plant.
Agave is a type of succulent, which is a common plant in much of Mexico. It is often mislabeled as a cactus, but agave is not a cactus — it’s a succulent!
What are the types of tequila?
There are three types of tequila: blanco, reposado and añejo.
However, there are additional tequila designations used as well, like joven, extra añejo, and reserva, though these aren’t considered distinct types.
The distinctions between the tequila types have to do with the aging process, the amount of time each has spent in the barrel, and/or how they’re made.
🥃 Tequila Blanco (White): Spends less than two months aging in a barrel, and keeps its clear color. It’s also known as Plata Tequila (Silver Tequila) or New Tequila.
Bottled soon after distillation and made with 100% Blue Weber agave and no additives, this is considered the purest form of tequila.
🥃 Tequila Joven (Young Tequila): A blend of a blanco tequila with an aged tequila, which is often called a “mixto” (mix). It’s also known as Oro Tequila (Gold Tequila).
🥃 Tequila Reposado (Rested Tequila): Ages in the barrel for more than two months, but less than one year
🥃 Tequila Añejo (Aged Tequila): Matures in the barrel for more than one year, but less than three years
🥃 Tequila Extra Añejo (Extra Aged Tequila): Ages in oak barrels for 3-5 years, resulting in a rich flavor and aroma
🥃 Tequila Reserva (Reserve Tequila): Aged in oak barrels for 5-10 years, these tend to be some of the most expensive tequilas
WHERE IS TEQUILA MADE?
Tequila is made in Mexico. However, only a few states like Jalisco State and Guanajuato State, as well as the city of Tequila, can call their product true tequila.
Much like how champagne must be made in Champagne, France, tequila must be made in Tequila, Mexico (or some of its surrounding areas).
Tequila that’s made in other places can not legally be labeled as tequila.
It is often labeled as another famous Mexican liquor, mezcal (#2 on this list), or as simply “distilled agave spirit.” In fact, there’s a common saying:
All tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
This is the same principle that applies to whiskeys; as all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.
While about 270 species of agave plants grow throughout Mexico, it can only be called tequila when it’s made from the Blue Weber agave plant (AKA blue agave plant).
best Mexico Drinks
2. Mezcal
WHAT IS MEZCAL?
Mezcal is made from the agave plant, just like tequila, and they are also both distilled spirits from Mexico.
The word mezcal means “oven-cooked agave,” as it’s cooked in pits. This gives mezcal a characteristic flavor that’s very different from tequila.
Different mezcals vary in flavor, but this drink is often called “smoky tequila,” as many mezcals have a deep, smoky flavor.
However, there are many great non-smoky mezcals too, like Fidencio Unico Sin Humo and Banhez Espadin & Barril.
Outside of the Mexico tourism cities, you’ll often see more mezcal than tequila in local bars. While Mexicans love their tequila, they LOVE their mezcal more.
This is especially true in Oaxaca State, where most of the world’s authentic Mexico mezcal is made. In fact, 92.7% of all mezcal was produced in Oaxaca in 2020.
🥃 Want to taste some mezcal (minus the plane ticket)? Buy a bottle of 400 Conejos, Mexico’s best-selling Oaxaca mezcal.
Like tequila, mezcal is meant to be sipped, not taken as a shot! While one of the most delicious Mexican drinks, it’s also very strong.
Mezcal averages 48%-55% ABV; by comparison, tequila averages 40% ABV. (In case you don’t know, ABV stands for alcohol by volume.)
In Mexico, most mezcals will come served with a plate of orange slices and some of this sal de maguey (maguey worm salt).
Some places serve their mezcal in a cup with a salt rim, using this maguey salt.
This maguey worm is the same one you’d find in a tequila bottle, though they are rarely (if ever) put in a mezcal bottle.
Looking for mezcal cocktail ideas? Grab your cocktail shaker, make this smoky basil Oaxacan mezcal cocktail, and your taste buds can thank me later!
best Mexico Drinks
3. Raicilla
WHAT IS RAICILLA LIQUOR
Raicilla is also known as Mexican moonshine — an “outlaw drink” that doesn’t have rules and regulations like its cousin tequila does.
As with most Mexican liquors, raicilla is made from the agave plant. It has smoky notes like mezcal, but also floral and fruity notes to break that up.
Looking for raicilla cocktail ideas? Grab your cocktail shaker, make this Murder by Numbers, and your taste buds can thank me later!
best Mexico Drinks
4. Pox
WHAT IS POX LIQUOR?
This Mexican drink is mostly consumed in Chiapas State, pox (pronounced posh), is sort of a home-brewed liquor that’s making its way into the mainstream.
As such, there’s not one way to make pox, though its main ingredients are corn, wheat and sugarcane.
WHAT DOES POX TASTE LIKE?
A bit of an acquired taste, pox has a strong corn flavor, but also sweeter notes from the sugarcane.
For those visiting the popular San Cristobal de las Casas pueblo magico (magic town), you’ll find pox in most bars.
In nearby San Juan Chamula, it is even used in religious church ceremonies.
best Mexico Drinks
5. Pulque
WHAT IS PULQUE?
Pulque (pronounced pull-kay, and sometimes called octli) is an ancient adult beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant.
It is common throughout Central Mexico, which has the prime maguey-growing climate.
Prehispanic people have made and consumed pulque for millennia. It is lovingly referred to as la bebida de los dioses, or “the drink of the gods.”
In fact, there’s even the Tepozteco Temple dedicated to the god of pulque, Tepoztēcatl. It is located in the town of Tepoztlan, Mexico.
WHAT DOES PULQUE TASTE LIKE?
Pulque is an acquired taste — and an acquired texture! It actually has a thick, milky consistency, and a pungent, sour taste.
You can get it with different flavors added to cut the sour taste, like oatmeal, mango, coconut and pineapple.
Still, from my point of view, it’s worth trying pulque Mexico in its natural state to get a better understanding of one of the most unique Mexican drinks.
best Mexico Drinks
6. Kahlua
Here’s a fun fact about Mexico drinks that you probably didn’t know: Kahlua Coffee Liqueur comes from Mexico.
This beloved Mexican liqueur is made in Veracruz state, one of the top Mexico coffee regions in the country.
☕️ If you prefer to try the delicious Veracruz coffee from Mexico without any booze, you can buy some here.
You can show your love for this sweet liquor each year on February 27, National Kahlua Day, which is one of the most fun Mexico holidays.
best Mexico Drinks
7. Sotol
WHAT IS SOTOL LIQUOR?
Sotol is produced in a distillation process similar to mezcals, and it’s even made of a succulent, just like mezcal and tequila.
Much like tequila, sotol can only be made with one type of plant, which is also called sotol (sometimes called the desert spoon plant).
While not among the most famous Mexican drinks (yet), sotol is becoming more and more popular at swanky mixology and cocktail bars in the U.S.
This plant grows wild throughout the North Mexico states of Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila, where you will find the best sotol in Mexico.
The desert spoon succulent takes 15 years to mature, and each plant will only yield one bottle of sotol, so make sure to try some if you can.
WHAT DOES SOTOL TASTE LIKE?
Sotol has a grassy taste, unlike its smokier cousins, tequila and mezcal — though it is closer in taste to tequila than mezcal.
Overall, sotol has an earthy, mineral and leathery flavor profile, though some can also have strong minty notes.
Looking for sotol cocktail ideas? Grab your cocktail shaker, make this Naked in the Desert, and your taste buds can thank me later!
best Mexico Drinks
8. Mexican Wine
Didn’t know Mexico made wines? Don’t worry, you’re not alone — but you should know there are actually 14 Mexico wine regions.
These include the Tequisquiapan pueblo magico (magic town) located in Queretaro state, close to the popular Mexico destination of San Miguel de Allende.
At the Central Mexico vineyards of Tequisquiapan, you can travel the Mexico Wine & Cheese Route, which includes Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet México.
This is a multi-vineyard tour through this small wine country, which includes tours of the area’s underground cheese caves.
However, the real oenophiles (wine lovers) will want to check out the Valle de Guadalupe, which means Valley of Guadalupe.
This is the largest wine region in Mexico, and located on the Baja California Peninsula, on the country’s west coast.
Located near the Mexico beach town of Ensenada, and about two hours south of San Diego, Valle de Guadalupe feels like a continuation of California’s famous vineyards.
In fact, Valle de Guadalupe is known as the Napa Valley of Mexico.
🍷 Check out this article to discover the Award-Winning Mexican Wines you must try! It includes both white wine and red wine.
best Mexico Drinks
9. Mexican Beer & Mexican Craft Beer
🍻 Mexico Fun Fact: Mexico produces and exports more beer than any other country on Earth — by a lot.
Cerveza (beer) is loved the world over, but also arguably one of the most popular drinks in Mexico, and truly the unofficial National Drink of Mexico.
You probably recognize some of the more famous ones, like Dos Equis, Modelo, Sol, Pacifico, Victoria, Indio, Bohemia, Tecate, and of course, Corona.
However, there’s so many more Mexican beers to discover, like the best Mexican craft beers listed below.
Best Mexican Craft beers
🍺 Cerveza Insurgente Brewery from Tijuana in Baja California State, known for their Mexican Witbier
🍺 Baja Brewing Company from Cabo San Lucas, known for their Escorpion Negro Lager, Por Favor IPA and Cabotella Blonde Ale
🍺 Tempus from Queretaro State, known for their Tempus Dorada Blonde Ale
🍺 Minerva from Jalisco State, known for their Minerva Stout and Ambar de Guadalajara
🍺 Seis Hileras from Mexico City, known for their Porter and Helles Lager
🍺 Cervecería Jack from Mexico City, known for their Chocolate by Jack Sweet Stout
best Mexico Drinks
10. Margarita
WHAT’S IN A MARGARITA?
A classic Margarita cocktail has tequila, an orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, and fresh lime juice.
It was originally served in a salt-rimmed glass, shaken and poured over ice.
Today, blended frozen Margaritas are just as common — and one of the best Mexican drinks for partying — as they’re easy to make with these Margarita mixers.
There are also Margarita variations containing every fruit, veggie and herb you can get your hands on.
This pineapple cranberry Margarita is just one creative variation you’ll want to try.
🍺 Tequila not for you? Try the Cerveza Margarita, a Margarita made with cerveza (ice-cold beer) instead of tequila. There’s also mezcal variations of the Margarita.
WHO INVENTED THE MARGARITA?
The beloved Mexican Margarita is said to have been invented by Carlos “Danny” Herrera way back in 1938.
He crafted the famous Mexico drink at his restaurant, Rancho La Gloria, located in-between Tijuana and Rosarito, one of the best beach towns in Mexico.
According to legend, Danny custom-created the Margarita for one of his regular customers, Marjorie King.
She was a Broadway dancer who was spending a lot of time in Mexico while she negotiated the purchase of a hotel near Danny’s Rancho La Gloria restaurant.
As a regular customer, Danny had to accommodate one very special request for her.
Marjorie was allergic to all spirits except tequila, so he made a custom tequila cocktail just for her — and also named it after her. In Spanish, Marjorie is Margarita.
best Mexico Drinks
11. Paloma
Paloma is the lesser-known, but dare I say, prettier and more delicious Mexican cocktail cousin to Margarita. (I know I definitely prefer the Paloma).
When it comes to vacation drinks vibes, trendy Mexican cocktails, pretty colors and a refreshing beverage, Paloma just might be the perfect tropical cocktail.
In the last few years, this drink has become popular and you can now buy these Paloma mixers — or just get these ready-to-drink Paloma cocktails.
You can also make it on your own! A Paloma is traditionally made with tequila or mezcal — though it’s also one of the best Mexican cocktails with vodka.
To the liquor, you’ll add a grapefruit soda of your choice, like Squirt, Izze, or Ting.
Some people also use fresh grapefruit juice and mineral water instead of soda.
Throughout my travels to more than half the states in Mexico, the classic recipe I see most is mezcal and Squirt soda, which makes the perfect Paloma Mexican drink.
best Mexico Drinks
12. Michelada & Chelada
WHAT IS A MICHELADA?
There aren’t too many beer cocktails out there, but the michelada is arguably one of the most famous.
A traditional michelada is made with a Mexican beer of your choice, Clamato, assorted spices like Tajín, Worcestershire sauce, fresh squeezed lime juice, and a tamarind rim or salted rim.
As these are very popular traditional drinks in Mexico, different places prepare them with slightly different variations.
One of the most common additions is a hot sauce, like Tabasco sauce 🌶, and some people even use soy sauce.
For this reason, micheladas are often compared to a Spicy Mexican Bloody Mary, with each cocktail maker adding their own spin on the classic cocktail recipes.
Two Michelada Variations You can try
1. Ojo Rojo: The ojo rojo (red eye) is a michelada that comes with a rimmed-glass lined with chamoy syrup and a tamarind spice mix.
It has a great flavor, with a mix of spicy, salty and sweet; the tamarind spice mix is spicy, salty and the chamoy is sweet.
2. Cheleda: As some aren’t into the Clamato juice (a tomato and clam juice) in a michelada, you can opt for a chelada which omits the Clamato.
With this omission, the only ingredients in a cheleda are beer and lime juice or lemon juice — fresh squeezed, of course.
🇨🇦 Clamato fun fact: Canada’s national drink, called the Caesar (AKA Bloody Caesar), is made with Clamato.
The Caesar is similar to a Bloody Mary, but made with Clamato (instead of regular tomato juice), as well as vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and other spices (to taste).
best Mexico Drinks
13. Bloody Maria
While the michelada is definitely similar to a Bloody Mary, the closest Mexico drink to it, is actually called a Bloody María.
A Mexican Bloody Maria is essentially a Bloody Mary that’s made with tequila instead of vodka.
Fans of spicy Bloody Marys should try a Bloody María, as many say the tequila and spicy flavors work better together than vodka and spicy flavors.
Of course, this is a drink made to taste, so you can control the spice level.
🍹 Chavela: Mexican Bloody Mary
For a similar drink, try the chavela — which is sometimes called a cerveza preparada, or “prepared beer.”
This is also known as Mexico’s Bloody Mary, and made about the same as a Bloody Maria. However, it’s half beer, half tequila, instead of a full shot of tequila.
best Mexico Drinks
14. Bandera Mexicana: Mexican Flag Drink
Looking for unique shots to order in Mexico? This fun drink feels like three Mexican cocktails drinks in one — but with only one actual shot of liquor.
The Bandera Mexicana means Mexican flag, and with this drink you’ll get three shot glasses in the colors of Mexico’s flag:
- 🟢 Green: Lime juice
- ⚪️ White: Tequila blanco
- 🔴 Red: Sangrita
WHAT IS SANGRITA?
Sangrita means “little blood,” and is often served with a glass or shot of tequila (especially high end and premium tequila).
It is one of the best non-alcoholic beverages to use as a chaser — and one of the most popular shots in Mexico that’s non-alcoholic.
Also, it’s not sangria, though their name sounds similar and they have a similar magenta color.
Sangrita can be made various ways, but often contains orange juice, pomegranate juice, tomato juice, grenadine, powdered chiles and additional spices.
Unlike a straight-up lime wedge chaser, which basically kills the flavor of tequila, sangrita is meant to enhance the tequila flavor.
best Mexico Drinks
15. Tequila Sunrise
As we round out the Top 15 Mexican drinks to try, you’re probably looking to try some mixed drinks in Mexico — so look no further than the refreshing Tequila Sunrise.
This classic cocktail is one many have likely tried before, and it’s actually among the easiest Mexican cocktails to make.
The tequila sunrise was actually invented at Agua Caliente, a huge Prohibition-era resort in Tijuana.
—Dave Wondrich, author of the bestselling books Imbibe and Punch
One of the easiest and best Mexican drink recipes, it contains just three ingredients: tequila, orange juice and grenadine.
Given the OJ, this is a popular morning drink, and makes for a great brunch cocktail.
Best Mexico Drinks
16. Horchata
Horchata is also known as rice water or Mexican rice milk, and something consumed all over Mexico.
It is a refreshing drink, with a texture similar to coconut milk, and among the most popular aguas frescas (Mexico juice and fruit waters).
As Mexican tacos and so much other Mexican food is often on the spicy side, this cool, sweet drink can really cut through some of that spice.
WHAT DOES HORCHATA TASTE LIKE?
It is a sweet drink, as it contains a good amount of sugar, with a thicker, creamier texture than many would expect from a rice drink.
Horchata is made mostly with rice, sugar and cinnamon, and different people add in additional ingredients from recipes passed down through the generations.
🧉 Mexican rum cocktail: Rumchata is a yummy boozy version of traditional Mexican horchata, and considered one of the best Mexican rum drinks.
best Mexico Drinks
17. Agua de Jamaica
The beloved Mexican agua de jamaica tea is made with dried flor de jamaica (hibiscus flowers), and you’ll find it everywhere from Mexico City to Cancun.
You will usually just see it called jamaica, and it’s pronounced haa-mike-uh, not Jamaica like the country.
HOW DO YOU MAKE MEXICAN JAMAICA TEA?
To make jamaica, just seep one cup of hibiscus flowers in one liter of water; though that can be adjusted to taste.
Put the container in the refrigerator, and after about an hour, drain the flowers, and serve the jamaica cold or over ice cubes.
In a hot country like Mexico, jamaica is so refreshing — and a popular drink to enjoy in the afternoon on a hot summer day.
Mexico jamaica tea is a pretty magenta color, which ends up being a bit lighter than the actual hibiscus flowers.
It has a tart and tangy flavor, similar to pomegranate and cranberry, so many will want to add in sugar or a sweetener. In Mexico, it’s usually served with sugar already in it.
IS MEXICAN JAMAICA TEA GOOD FOR YOU?
Jamaica flower tea is said to have many health benefits, and has been proven to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
As a natural diuretic, jamaica is said to pull salt out of your body, which helps lower blood pressure. (👩⚕️ Note: I’m no doctor, so take that as friendly advice.)
Looking to make Mexican mocktail drinks? Add some sparkling water to your jamaica for a refreshing jamaica spritzer. You can also mix jamaica tea with lemonade for an Arnold Palmer variation.
best Mexico Drinks
18. Agua Fresca
Aguas frescas are “fresh waters,” and one of the non-alcoholic drinks Mexican people flock to on hot days to beat the heat.
Many things can be classified as agua frescas, including horchata and jamaica (the last two Mexico drinks mentioned).
However, agua fresca can also be made with fruits like the watermelon agua fresca, and the piña agua fresca made with pineapple.
Agua del Día in Mexico
In Mexico, you will see a lot of cocina economicas (economical restaurants frequented by locals) with their own unique menu del día (menu of the day).
These inexpensive daily menus usually come with two to three courses of food, and an agua del día (drink of the day).
While an agua del dia can be horchata and jamaica, it’s often a fruit water.
Most agua del dia drinks are made with whatever fruit is freshest at that time of year, water and some sugar.
Even a restaurant that doesn’t have a menu del dia will often offer aguas del dia, as they’re traditional drinks throughout Mexico.
best Mexico Drinks
19. Batidos (Fruit Milkshake)
The word used for milkshake in Mexico is malteada (pronounced mall-tay-ah-duh), but that will be the standard milk and ice cream variety.
Batidos are also Mexican milkshakes, but they are made with milk and fresh fruits.
🍓 If you want a simple fruit smoothie in Mexico, order a licuado (pronounced lee-kwah-doh), but for a thick, creamy fruity drink, go for the batido.
Though there might be some confusion over the name, know that this is one of the traditional Mexican drinks you’ll love on a hot day.
best Mexico Drinks
20. Agua de Tamarindo
Like horchata and jamaica, tamarindo water is another traditional Mexican agua fresca.
This flavor, which is made with the tamarind fruit, is one of the most beloved flavors in Mexico drinks and Mexican candy.
It is actually one of the most popular flavors of Jarritos, one of the best selling Mexican sodas.
best Mexico Drinks
21. Tepache
In Mexico, tepache (pronounced tep-pach-ay) is often made in people’s homes. It is one of the most common drinks in Mexico that you’ll find sold by street vendors.
Mexican tepache is a fermented drink made with pineapple peel, cinnamon sticks and water, and kept in a sealed jar for 2-5 days to fully ferment.
For the best results, many opt for the full five days.
Some also enjoy this tepache cocktail, which may or may not be a healthy way to get buzz 😁
For a boozy version of traditional tepache, you can add in some vodka and fresh mint. There’s also tepache sour, made with bourbon and sour mix.
best Mexico Drinks
22. Mangonada (Chamoyada)
The mangonada, AKA chamoyada, is basically a meal in a cup because it usually contains one whole mango.
As mangoes are a near-perennial crop in Mexico, and you can get them almost all year-long, and they’re especially refreshing on a hot day.
A mangonada is basically a thick fruit milkshake made with mango, topped with a garnish of Tajin chili powder, fresh lime juice, and chamoy syrup.
The red-colored chamoy syrup is one of the most popular Mexican candy flavors, and has a tangy-sweet taste that’s similar to tamarind.
🥭 Mangonada Cocktail: For a boozy version, add in some vanilla vodka, coconut rum, or whatever you think will work well.
Best Mexico Drinks
23. Rompope
Curious about Mexican Christmas drinks? Rompope (pronounced rom-po-pay), known as Mexican eggnog, is one of the best.
It is a Christmastime cocktail, served throughout the country, but most associated with the state of Puebla, Mexico.
As with U.S. eggnog, adults often spike the rompope with rum or fruit brandy.
best Mexico Drinks
24. Ponche Navideño (Christmas Punch)
Ponche Navideño is Mexican fruit punch that’s usually only served during the winter months, December Posadas and Mexican Christmas gatherings.
🎄 Looking for Mexican Christmas gifts? Check out this guide to the 50+ Best Mexico Christmas Gifts and Ornaments.
Sometimes called “Mexican sangria,” Mexican ponche (pronounced pon-chay) is made with a lot of fruits, but is different in that it’s served warm.
Ponche contains tejocotes (little apples), guava, pears, mandarin oranges, tangerines, other citrus fruits, jamaica (hibiscus tea), tamarind and piloncillo (raw brown sugar).
As you might have guessed, some people like to add a splash of rum or brandy. A boozy ponche tastes like a mix of a hot toddy and sangria.
best Mexico Drinks
25. Champurrado
Champurrado (pronounced champ-pour-ah-doe), like Chocolate de la Abuela, is a type of Mexican hot chocolate.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Facts: Chocolate comes from Mexico, and the Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula were the first to cultivate the cacao plant, which is what chocolate is made from.
If you love chocolate (🤔 who doesn’t?), this is one of the best Mexican hot chocolate recipes.
It’s a bit richer than regular Mexican hot chocolate because it’s prepared with masa de maíz or masa harina (corn flour), piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and cinnamon.
Champurrado has been around since the Aztec times, and really useful to keep people warm on the cooler Central Mexico nights.
Yes — Central Mexico has many more cold days than the beaches of Mexico.
Still popular today, champurrado’s thick texture makes it the perfect drink for dipping your churros in.
Best Mexico Drinks
26. Mexican Coke (Mexicoke)
Here are some an interesting Mexico facts you probably didn’t know:
Mexico consumes more Coca-Cola than any other country in the world, and Coca-Cola is the leading beverage brand in Mexico.
Mexicoke, as it’s known in the United States (though it’s just called “coca” in Mexico), is the Mexican recipe for Coca-Cola — the #1 soda on Earth!
The main difference between U.S. coke and Mexican coke is that Mexican Coca-Cola uses pure cane sugar instead of artificial sweeteners.
Die hard Mexicoke fans say this one change makes for a much better tasting beverage. Also, the glass bottles are said to make for a fresher taste.
In the last decade or so, some U.S. restaurants and grocery stores have started selling Mexican Coke and Mexican Sprite, which is also made with real sugar.
To try some, be on the lookout for the glass bottles of Mexican Coke, or you can buy Mexican coke here from Amazon.
🥤 For Mexicoke’s boozy version, order a Charro Negro. This is tequila and Mexican coke — a Mexico drink version of the Cuba Libre (AKA rum and coke).
best Mexico Drinks
27. Sidral Mundet (Mexican Apple Soda)
The last of the big Mexican soda flavors and brands is Sidral Mundet.
This apple soda was actually first made in 1902 by a Spanish man named Arturo Mundet who emigrated to Mexico — making it more than 120-years-old.
Today, you can buy the original red apple soda 🍎, or the more tangy green apple soda 🍏
best Mexico Drinks
28. Jarritos Sodas
Jarritos (pronounced har-re-toes) is another one of the big players in the Mexican soda world.
This company makes their own Mexican cola (similar to Mexican coke), and other popular flavors like pineapple soda, mandarin orange soda, lime soda and tamarind soda.
Best Mexico Drinks
29. Carajillo
What is a carajillo?
Coffee lovers won’t want to miss the chance to try a carajillo (pronounced car-uh-hee-yo), one of the most popular coffee cocktails in Mexico.
This cold coffee drink is popular in Mexico City cocktail bars and upscale restaurants.
Besides posh bars throughout Mexico, you can also find carajillos in and other Latin American countries as well, like Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Carajillos are popular at brunch, but usually considered a nighttime drink — as they contain a shot of Licor 43.
However, for those who want a bit of booze in their morning coffee (think: Irish coffee), the carajillo is the perfect option.
There are 43 ingredients in this semi-sweet liquor, including fruit juices, vanilla and aromatic herbs.
Licor 43 is a great sugar substitute, and when combined with coffee, makes the ideal after-dinner digestif.
Though a Mexico City favorite, carajillos aren’t a classic Mexican drink. Rather, they originated in Spain, where Licor 43 is made.
HOW IS A CARAJILLO MADE?
A carajillo is quite simple: One shot of espresso and one shot of Liquor 43. It can be served shaken or straight up.
When ordering, you have two options — so you’ll need to be clear with the server or bartender as to the one you want.
The first is with the espresso and Liquor 43 combined with ice, shaken and served poured over ice. This preparation creates a foamy top, which resembles a latte.
In the second option, you’ll receive the coffee and Liquor 43 in two separate shot glasses, which you’ll combine yourself in a third glass.
When poured in slowly, the dark brown espresso floats to the top, and the amber Liquor 43 remains on the bottom, creating a nice two-tone effect.
best Mexico Drinks
30. Cafe de Olla
Mexican cafe de olla (meaning, “coffee from the pot”) is a traditional Mexican coffee preparation, common in states like Oaxaca and Chiapas.
It is made in an olla (large clay pot) with cinnamon and piloncillo (raw cane sugar). If you like your coffee sweet, this is one of the best drinks to have in Mexico.
Best Mexico Drinks
31. Abuela Chocolate (Mexican Hot Chocolate)
Chocolate has been a Mexican staple food since prehispanic times, so naturally, there are many Mexican chocolate drinks.
In Oaxacan Mexican cuisine, it is even used for savory dishes like mole negro (black mole), as well as other traditional Mexican dishes.
In Mexico, if you don’t have a local supplier, Chocolate de la Abuela (grandma’s chocolate) is a popular supermarket brand.
While hot chocolate in the U.S. is often prepared with milk, Mexican hot chocolate drinks are made with chocolate and fresh water.
It is still served with a frothy foam-top because this chocolate beverage is hand-spun using a wooden whisk called a molinillo (wood whisk), which creates a foam.
best Mexico Drinks
32. Tejate
Tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay) is an ancient chocolate and corn drink popular in Oaxaca, Mexico.
One of these 31 Best Oaxaca Foods and Drinks You Need to Try, it’s lovingly called “la bebida de los dioses,” or the drink of the gods.
While its flavor combo may not sound appetizing, this centuries-old drink has stood the taste test of time.
Tejate is made by hand in large clay bowls, by liquifying a mixture of fermented cacao (chocolate) beans, toasted maize (corn), toasted pits of mamey (tropical fruit), and flor de cacao (cacao flower).
One of the most popular Mexico drinks from Oaxaca, it is served cold so it’s very refreshing on a hot Oaxaca City day.
Since it has been around since prehispanic times, each region, city and family will have their own unique tejate recipe.
However, even with variations, tejate generally tastes like a more complex chocolate almond milk.
🧋 Tejuino is another Mexican drink that uses corn, as this was one of the staple foods in the prehispanic diet.
best Mexico Drinks
33. Atole
We’ve reached the end of this list, and though this last one is listed with the Mexican chocolate drinks, it doesn’t have any chocolate in it!
I actually didn’t really know where to list it, so it’s here because it’s a hot, sweet drink that’s actually made with vanilla, not chocolate.
Atole (pronounced ah-toe-lay) is one of the most common Mexico street drinks, very popular throughout Central Mexico.
It is often served in the morning, and contains a yummy mix of cinnamon, masa, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and vanilla.
It is nearly the same drink as champurrado, but with vanilla instead of chocolate.
For fans of sweet drinks, but not chocolate, atole is among the most perfect drinks to try in Mexico.
🍫 If these were not enough Mexican chocolate drinks, there’s also tascalate from Chiapas State, and chilate from Guerrero State.
Best Mexican Drinks Guide & FAQ
What drink is Mexico most known for?
Margaritas — Mexico’s most well-known cocktail can be served on the rocks or frozen.
It has become emblematic in Mexico, and at Mexico themed parties around the world.
What drinks do Mexicans love?
Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink in Mexico, and Mexican Coca-Cola is the most popular of all non alcoholic drinks in Mexico.
Of course, there are many other drinks Mexicans love, like aguas frescas, horchata, chamoyada, jamaica, tejate, Margaritas, micheladas, mezcal, atole, and more.
What do the locals drink in Mexico?
The most popular beers for Mexican locals include Tecate, Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Pacifico, Bohemia and Victoria.
What is the most popular mixed drink in Mexico?
Margaritas are the best known of all Mexican cocktails.
Depending on your preference, you might want the Classic Margarita, or a popular variation like Strawberry Margaritas or Mango Margaritas.
What is the national Mexican drink?
Tequila is considered Mexico’s National Drink. Ironically, mezcal is consumed more than tequila in Mexico.
What are popular Mexican drink brands?
Some of the biggest beer brands in Mexico include Tecate, Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, Bohemia and Victoria.
What is Mexico’s classic drink on the street?
The most popular non-alcoholic street drinks in Mexico are aguas frescas (fruit waters).
⚠️ Note: Drinking alcohol on the streets is illegal in Mexico, so don’t break any laws. While tolerated in some places, it’s technically illegal in all of Mexico.
Do Mexicans drink Jarritos?
Yes — Jarritos is a very popular Mexican soda brand that’s made in Mexico and sold throughout Mexico.
🥤 Mexican Drinks Fun Fact: Many varieties of Jarritos soda, like tamarindo and lime, are naturally flavored.
What is the most popular soda in Mexico?
Mexican Coca-Cola is the #1 soda in Mexico. In fact, Mexico is the top consumer of coca-cola in the world.
What is a Cancun drink?
When drinking in Cancun, you’ll want to try some of the best tropical drinks in Mexico — like the Margarita, tequila sunrise, mojito, or piña colada.
While these are the best Mexican drinks to try in Cancun that contain booze, don’t skip horchata, one of the best traditional non-alcoholic Mexican drinks.
Me Final Thoughts on the Best Mexican Drinks
As Mexican drinks include such a wide variety, it’s hard (probably impossible) to declare the official “best Mexican drinks.”
However, there’s definitely your best Mexican drink — though you’ll have to comb through some Mexican drinks names and try them all to figure out what yours is.
Hopefully this extensive list of 33 popular Mexican drinks will give you a lot of options as you try and figure out which of the drinks of Mexico you like best.