12 Traditional Mexican Drinks You Have to Try Besides Margaritas
Margaritas might be the go-to drink when you think of Mexico, but the country’s diverse food and drink scene offers so much more.
From refreshing non-alcoholic options to bold, boozy classics, traditional Mexican drinks are full of unique flavors and history that deserve a place on your must-try list.
Whether you’re looking for something to sip on a hot day or a drink to accompany your favorite tacos, these beverages are worth branching out for.
Here are 12 traditional Mexican drinks you absolutely have to try—no margarita needed!
1. Horchata: Sweet & Refreshing
Horchata is a creamy, sweet drink made from rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.
It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day, and perfectly complements spicy Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas.
This popular agua fresca can be found at street food stalls, markets, and restaurants across Mexico, often served chilled over ice.
While traditional horchata uses rice as the base, you might also come across regional variations made with almonds or seeds like pumpkin.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this drink is a must-try!
2. Agua de Jamaica: Tart & Tasty
Agua de Jamaica (pronounced ha-my-kah) is a popular hibiscus tea made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water and sweetening it with sugar.
The result is a vibrant red, slightly tart beverage with a flavor similar to cranberry juice.
It’s a staple among Mexico’s aguas frescas and is loved for being both delicious and hydrating. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, making it a healthier option than sugary sodas.
Pair a glass of agua de Jamaica with your favorite street food, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing midday treat.
3. Atole: Warm & Comforting
Atole is a thick, comforting drink made with masa (corn dough), water or milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
Traditionally served warm, it has a smooth, creamy texture that’s especially popular during holidays like Día de los Muertos and Las Posadas.
You can find different variations of atole, such as champurrado, which adds chocolate for an extra layer of richness.
It’s the ultimate pairing for tamales or sweet bread on cool mornings.
4. Michelada: Spicy & Zesty
The michelada is a popular Mexican beer cocktail that combines light beer with lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, served in a glass rimmed with chili and salt.
It’s tangy, savory, and slightly spicy, making it the perfect drink to cool off and wake up your taste buds.
You’ll often see locals enjoying micheladas on hot afternoons, particularly at the beach or alongside seafood dishes.
For an even bolder twist, try a clamato michelada, which includes tomato juice for extra flavor.
5. Pulque: The Ancient Beverage
Pulque is one of Mexico’s oldest traditional drinks, dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
Made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant (a type of agave), this thick, milky-white beverage has a slightly tangy taste with subtle earthy notes.
Pulque is often described as an “acquired taste,” but its cultural significance and unique flavor make it worth trying.
Today, you can find both natural pulque and modern versions flavored with fruits like pineapple or berries to make it more approachable.
Head to a local pulquería (pulque bar) for the most authentic experience.
6. Tepache: Fermented Pineapple Goodness
Tepache is a lightly fermented drink made from pineapple rinds, brown sugar (piloncillo), and spices like cinnamon.
It’s naturally sweet, slightly fizzy, and incredibly refreshing, especially when served over ice on a hot day.
This traditional Mexican drink is easy to find at street food stalls or local markets and is often enjoyed as a low-alcohol alternative to beer.
Tepache pairs beautifully with tacos, tortas, or other savory snacks, making it a favorite for casual gatherings.
7. Tejate: A Zapotec Specialty
Hailing from Oaxaca, tejate is a traditional drink made with corn, cacao, mamey seeds, and a flower called rosita de cacao.
The ingredients are ground into a paste, mixed with water, and served cold in a clay cup.
Tejate is often called the “drink of the gods” due to its pre-Hispanic origins and its role in Zapotec rituals.
It’s earthy, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing, making it perfect for hot afternoons.
If you’re exploring Oaxaca, don’t miss the chance to sip this unique, ancient beverage at a local market.
8. Pozol: A Hearty Classic
Pozol is a traditional drink from Chiapas and Tabasco made with cacao and fermented corn dough, giving it a rich, hearty texture.
Historically, it served as an energy-boosting drink for farmers working long hours under the sun.
This drink has a rustic, slightly tangy flavor with a subtle hint of chocolate, making it both satisfying and filling.
Pozol can be enjoyed plain or sweetened with a bit of sugar or honey, depending on your taste.
It’s the perfect drink to try if you’re curious about regional Mexican traditions.
9. Café de Olla: Coffee With a Twist
Café de olla is a traditional Mexican coffee brewed in a clay pot, giving it a rich, slightly earthy flavor.
It’s prepared with ground coffee, cinnamon sticks, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), creating a warm and aromatic drink that’s both sweet and spiced.
Originally made to fuel Mexican revolutionaries, café de olla has stood the test of time and remains a beloved breakfast or afternoon drink.
Pair it with pan dulce for the perfect combo.
10. Agua Fresca: Light & Flavorful
Aguas frescas are refreshing fruit-based drinks made with water, sugar, and seasonal fruits like mango, watermelon, cucumber, or lime.
You’ll find countless variations across Mexico, each offering a delicious way to cool off in the heat.
Some popular flavors include agua de sandía (watermelon), agua de melón (cantaloupe), and agua de limón (lime).
They’re perfect for pairing with spicy dishes, tacos, or just sipping on a sunny day.
11. Mangonada: Sweet, Spicy & Tangy
The mangonada is a frozen mango-based drink layered with chamoy (a tangy, spicy sauce), Tajín chili powder, and fresh lime juice.
It’s a bold mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that’s as refreshing as it is fun to eat.
Often served with a tamarind candy straw, the mangonada is a favorite at Mexican markets, snack stands, and paleterías (ice cream shops).
If you love bold, tropical flavors, this one’s for you.
12. Champurrado: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Champurrado is a warm and comforting variation of atole made with masa (corn dough), milk, chocolate, cinnamon, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar).
It has a rich, thick texture and is often enjoyed during holidays or cool mornings.
This traditional drink pairs perfectly with tamales or pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread), making it a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
If you’re craving something sweet and hearty, champurrado is the ultimate indulgence.
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
