Mexico is known for its rich culture, breathtaking beaches, flavorful cuisine, and some of the world’s finest alcohol. From tequila to classic margaritas, Mexico has a diverse range of alcoholic beverages that offer smooth, distinctive, and smoky flavors.
5 Mexican Alcohols That You Must Try
Here are the details about five Mexican alcohols you must try to tantalize your tastebuds.
Tequila
Tequila is perhaps the most famous alcoholic beverage to come out of Mexico. Liquor makers produce it from the blue agave plant in Jalisco. Tequila is divided into five categories: blanco, joven, reposado, anejo, and extra anejo. Each category is aged for a specific period and offers a distinct flavor profile. You can try Blanco for a pure agave taste, whereas reposado and anejo have a more complex and smoother flavor.
Mezcal
Mezcal is another Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, but it differs from tequila. Mezcal is distilled in clay or copper pots, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. If you wonder where to buy mezcal, it is made in various Mexican regions, but Oaxaca is considered it’s home.
Michelada
Michelada is a famous beer cocktail which is a refreshing and spicy drink that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Mexicans make it by combining beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, then serve it chilled in a sea salt-rimmed glass. Variations on the classic recipe may include tomato juice or Clamato, a tomato and clam juice blend.
Charanda
Charanda is a rum-like spirit from Michoacán, Mexico, made from fermented sugar cane juice and aged in oak barrels for at least six months. It has a long history and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore traditional Mexican beverages. Charanda has a distinct sweetness and Mexicans at times drink it straight or use it in cocktails.
Raichilla
Raichilla is similar to mezcal but with a distinct flavor profile that includes earthiness, smoke, and sweetness. Liquor makers roast agave hearts, ferment them with natural yeasts, and double-distill them in copper pots. You can enjoy Raichilla straight up on the rocks or in cocktails like the Raicilla Margarita or Raicilla Old Fashioned. If you’re traveling to Mexico, you can find Raicilla in local markets or distilleries in Jalisco.
Cocktails to Make with Alcohols from Mexico
Knowing the famous Mexican alcohols is cool, but knowing what the best you can do with them is the real deal. Here are some unique cocktails that you can make with alcohol from Mexico.
Paloma
Paloma is a reviving cocktail that you can prepare by using lime juice, grapefruit soda, and tequila. It’s a popular drink in Mexico and is a great way to enjoy the flavor of tequila without the harshness of a traditional tequila shot. You are supposed to mix tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda along with ice in a glass and later top it with a lime wedge for serving.
Margarita
Margarita is a well-known classic cocktail that features lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. It’s a versatile drink that you may serve on the rocks or mix with ice. To make a margarita, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a mixer with ice, then strain into a glass with a salt rim and decorate with a lime wedge.
Cantarito
Cantarito is a traditional Mexican clay pot that serves a refreshing cocktail of the same name. The cocktail typically includes tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and salt and is usually served over ice. You are supposed to mix grapefruit soda, tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a Cantarito clay pot or a large glass, add ice, and later decorate it with a lime wedge.
3 Lesser-Known Mexican Alcohols
When most people think of Mexican alcohol, tequila, and mezcal are usually the first drinks that come to mind. However, Mexico has some lesser-known which are equally worth exploring. Here are their details:
Sotol
Sotol is one of the lesser-known Mexican alcoholic beverages which is made in Northern Mexico from a plant named Desert Spoon. Like Mezcal and Tequila, Sotol is made by roasting the heart of the plant, fermenting the sugars, and distilling the resulting liquid. Sotol has a distinct smoky flavor with notes of earthy and vegetal flavors. You can enjoy this versatile drink both ways: straight and in cocktails.
Bacanora
Bacanora is a Mexican alcoholic beverage that is unique to the state of Sonora in Mexico. Nevertheless, it is a type of mezcal made from the agave plant. It has a smoky flavor with hints of citrus and is often served straight or mixed into cocktails.
Pulque
Mexicans have been drinking Pulque for thousands of years. While it may not be as well-known as tequila or mezcal, Pulque is an integral part of Mexico’s cultural heritage and a must-try for anyone exploring traditional Mexican beverages. This traditional Mexican alcoholic drink is prepared from brewed agave sap. It has a tangy, sour flavor and thick, slightly slimy texture, which is worth a round.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mexico has diverse alcoholic beverages with unique and complex flavors. From the famous tequila to the lesser-known raicilla, Mexico has something to offer for every taste. So, when you come to Mexico, be sure to try these Mexican alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
