Mexican Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Mexico is popular, not only for its magnificent tourist destinations, but also for its rich culinary culture. Mexican food is said to be one of the healthiest foods in the world. Mexican cuisine is influenced, mainly by the Mayan and Aztec traditions. It is known for its unique spicing, rich flavor and appealing ways of garnishing. In addition to foods, Mexico is famous for a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The traditional drinks in Mexico are mezcal, tequila and margaritas. However, Mexico is known to offer a wide variety of nonalcoholic drinks as well. These drinks are typically made from fruits like oranges, mangoes, melons, pineapples, papayas, tamarind and strawberries. Seeds like Jamaica, horchata and alfalfa are used in Mexican nonalcoholic drinks. Some of the popular Mexican nonalcoholic drinks are agua de tamarindo, agua de Jamaica, agua de Sandia, horchata, Fiesta hot chocolate, etc. These drinks are healthy and energizing. Are you eager to know how these Mexican beverages are prepared? Then, check out the following easy-to-make recipes for Mexican nonalcoholic drinks.

Rompope (Mexican Eggnog)

Ingredients

1 quart milk
12 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
¼ cup ground almonds
1 cinnamon stick (3-inch)
2 tsp vanilla

Directions

In a large cooking pot, combine together milk, almonds, sugar, broken cinnamon sticks and vanilla. Bring this mixture to boil. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes with constant stirring. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool down.

Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks, until they become thick and lemon-yellow in color. Remove the cinnamon pieces from the milk mixture and add yolk eggs to it. Keep the pot over low heat and keep stirring. When the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the spoon, take it off from heat and allow it to cool down. Refrigerate rompope for 1 or 2 days before serving.

Agua de Sandia

Ingredients

28 cups of loosely packed seeded watermelon chunks
Granulated sugar
12 oz water
¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs for garnishing

Directions

Make a puree of watermelon chunks in a blender, in batches. Add mint leaves in one batch. Transfer the watermelon juice to a large pot. Then add water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and taste it. You can add more sugar if required. Then, refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour before serving. While serving, first add ice in tall glasses and then pour watermelon mixture over it. Garnish it with a mint sprig.

Horchata

Ingredients

1 cup rice
5 cups drinking water
½ of a cinnamon stick
½ cup sugar
1 tsp lime zest

Directions

Grind the rice in a blender, until smooth. Add lime zest and cinnamon stick to it. Leave this mixture overnight. Blend this mixture in the blender, until it becomes smooth and uniform. Then, add 2 cups of water in this mixture and allow it to soak for about 2 hours. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Then, add 3 cups of water and sugar and stir the mixture, until sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture into serving glasses and garnish with a mint sprig.

Mexican Mocha

Ingredients

3 cups milk
1/3 cup chocolate syrup
12 oz milk powder
1½ cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inch)
1 tbsp instant coffee granules

Directions

In a microwave bowl, mix together milk, milk powder, coffee granules and chocolate syrup. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap. Microwave the bowl on medium power for about 4-8 minutes, until steaming. While serving, pour this mixture into the glasses and add a cinnamon stick in each glass. Add the whipped topping.

Try these Mexican nonalcoholic drinks for weekend dinners or parties and give your family and friends a refreshing and delicious treat.