Tepache
Tepache is a traditional Aztec drink made from the sweet flesh and skins of pineapples combined with brown sugar. It’s enhanced with piloncillo, an unrefined cane sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, giving it a distinctive and flavorful profile. You can often find this chilled beverage served in large glasses over ice at street stalls or local markets.
Agua de Jamaica
Agua de Jamaica, or hibiscus tea, is a vibrant, refreshing drink that you shouldn’t miss. With its deep ruby color, this chilled beverage is beloved by locals and makes for a perfect summer refreshment. It’s made from sweetened hibiscus flowers and can sometimes include vegetables or dried flowers, typically served with ice and lime wedges for an extra zing.
Café de Olla
Credit: Luisalvaz/CC BY-SA 3.0
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful coffee, consider trying Café de Olla. This traditional Mexican spiced coffee is brewed with cinnamon, star anise, piloncillo (raw dark sugar), cloves, and Mexican-grown coffee. Pair it with a concha, a delicious Mexican sweet bread, for a perfect treat.
Tejate
As you explore the streets of Oaxaca City, keep an eye out for tejate, a frothy chocolate beverage steeped in folklore, believed to have divine qualities. This unique drink is crafted from a blend of toasted corn, fermented cacao beans, cacao flowers, and ground mamey pits, mixed with water to create a rich, nutritious concoction that’s definitely worth tasting.
Champurrado
There’s something special about holding a warm cup of hot chocolate, as its comforting heat spreads through your fingers and its rich aroma fills the air. Experience the Mexican version, champurrado, a thick beverage made from corn flour that’s ideal for warming up during the fall and winter seasons.
