15 Delicious Mexican Drinks You’ll Regret Not Trying Sooner
🇲🇽🍸 From classic and beloved Mexican cocktails and alcohol drinks to lesser-known boozy beverages, 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 nonalcoholic drinks from Mexico.
In short, Mexico drinks go way beyond tequila and Mexican coke — so let’s get to this epic list of the 15 best traditional Mexican drinks everyone should know about!
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1. 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 tourist 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. 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 use this maguey salt to serve their mezcal in a cup with a salt rim.
This maguey worm is the same one in a tequila bottle, though they are rarely (if ever) put in a mezcal bottle.
2. 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!
3. Pox
WHAT IS POX LIQUOR?
This Mexican drink, pox (pronounced posh), is mostly consumed in Chiapas State. It is 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.
Those visiting the popular San Cristobal de las Casas pueblo magico (magic town) will find pox in most bars.
In nearby San Juan Chamula, it is even used in religious church ceremonies.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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, 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
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.
10. 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.
11. Horchata
Horchata is also known as rice water or Mexican rice milk, and it is consumed all over Mexico.
It is a refreshing drink with a texture similar to coconut milk. It is among the most popular aguas frescas (Mexico juice and fruit waters).
As Mexican tacos and so much other Mexican food are often spicy, 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.
12. 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.)
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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!
Atole (pronounced ah-toe-lay) is one of the most common street drinks in Mexico, and it is 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.
Final Thoughts: 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.
Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:
Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.
Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.
- The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
- Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
- 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
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