With spring and summer approaching, some refreshing drinks are due to take center stage. Here are some non-alcoholic Mexican drinks that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Key Ingredients
Before giving you the nitty-gritty details of some delicious drinks, here are a few key ingredients that you can mix-and-match, or add as garnish to some summer drinks.
Hibiscus Flowers: Hibiscus flowers have a deep red color and a floral flavor.
Tamarind: Tamarind pods or tamarind concentrate are used to create a perfect mixture of sweet and tangy flavor in your beverages!
Fruits: Fresh fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, mango, and cantaloupe are often used to make drinks taste naturally fresh. Perfect in drinks and perfect as a snack!
Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon are common additions to Mexican beverages, adding a hint of spice.
Lime: Lime juice is a staple! Who doesn’t love a lime garnish?
Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is used as a sweetener in Mexican drinks. It has a milder flavor compared to other sweeteners and blends well with various ingredients.
Now, for the drink recipes…
Recipes
Aguas Frescas de Frutas
Blend a variety of fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, or mango) with water and some sweetener, and serve cold. As refreshing as it gets!
Horchata
Let rice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, and water sit overnight. Blend it in the morning and strain! Sweeten (if necessary) and serve over ice.
Café de Olla (Mexican Spiced Coffee)
Want a little pick-me-up? Brew coffee with some cinnamon sticks, cloves, and brown sugar. Coffee with a spice and caffeine kick!
Tepache
For this one, you’ll just need to ferment some pineapple peel with water, brown sugar, and some spices. In a few days, when it’s bubbly–strain and serve over ice!
Mexican Hot Chocolate
If you’re craving something piping hot–heat some milk with Mexican chocolate or cocoa powder, and don’t forget a pinch of chili powder! Sweeten and garnish with cinnamon to your liking.
Cucumber Agua Fresca
Because who doesn’t love a refreshing drink? This cucumber and lime combo will have you coming back for more. Sweeten, strain, and serve (cucumber garnish if you’re feeling fancy).
Tamarind Lime Cooler
Remember this from the key ingredients list? Mix some tamarind concentrate with lime (or lime juice), water, and sugar. Serve cold.
Enjoy these beverages in warmer weather! Here’s to sunny days.
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