Ideas for traditional Mexican drinks to enjoy before the end of the summer

As the summer in Canada enters its final months (we are really hoping for a few more weeks of heat), we wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some ideas for refreshing drinks. So, we decided to run a poll within our team and select a few of our favourite Mexican drinks, including some cocktails.

Let’s start with the non-alcoholic options and a few steps on how to prepare them.

Horchata: Horchata is a sweet and refreshing rice-based beverage.

Ingredients:

• One cup of long-grain white rice
• Four cups water
• One cinnamon stick
• Half cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Steps:

1. 1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   2. Blend rice and cinnamon stick with 2 cups of water until the rice is finely ground.
   3. Add the remaining water and let the mixture sit at room temperature for a couple of hours or overnight.
   4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
   5. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
   6. Serve over ice, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Agua de Jamaica: Agua de Jamaica is a refreshing hibiscus tea.

Ingredients:

• One cup of dried hibiscus flowers
• Four cups water
• Half cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Lime slices (optional)

Steps:

1. 1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and remove from heat.
   2. Add the hibiscus flowers to the hot water and let steep for about 20 minutes.
   3. Strain the hibiscus mixture into a pitcher, discarding the flowers.
   4. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
   5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator.
   6. Serve over ice and garnish with lime slices if desired.

Each of these beverages has its unique flavours and is enjoyed in various settings throughout Mexico. Remember, the measurements and ingredients can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.

Now, let’s talk about a selection of delightful Mexican-inspired cocktails. From the traditional to the tropical, these beverages will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Let’s explore three invigorating drinks that are perfect for quenching your thirst and adding a splash of flavour to your summer gatherings.

Michelada: Michelada is a savoury and spicy beer-based cocktail.

Ingredients:

• One chilled light Mexican beer (e.g., lager)
• Two oz lime juice
• Two dashes of hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• One dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt or Tajín seasoning (for rimming)
• Ice
• Optional: Maggi sauce, soy sauce, and chilli powder

Steps:

1. Rim a glass with salt or Tajín seasoning by moistening the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it into the seasoning.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and any optional sauces.
4. Pour in the cold beer and gently stir.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Paloma: The Citrusy Refresher

The Paloma cocktail is a timeless Mexican favourite that combines the zing of tequila with the tangy kick of grapefruit soda. Here’s how to whip up this classic delight:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos or Squirt)
• Lime wedge for garnish

Steps:

1. 1. Fill a glass with ice to keep things cool and refreshing.
   2. Add 2 oz of your favourite tequila and 1/2 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice to the glass.
   3. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours for an extra touch.
   4. Top off the mixture with the effervescence of grapefruit soda, leaving some room at the top.
   5. Gently give it a stir to mingle the flavours and bubbles.
   6. Garnish your creation with a lime wedge, adding a touch of visual appeal to the glass.
   7. Now, take a sip, close your eyes, and imagine you’re lounging on a beach in Mexico.

Mango Margarita: Tropical Paradise in a Glass

If you’re seeking a taste of the tropics with a Mexican twist, look no further than the Mango Margarita. This luscious cocktail combines the succulent sweetness of ripe mango and tequila kick for a truly unforgettable experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Tajín seasoning or salt (for rimming)
• Mango slices for garnish

Steps:

1. 1. Begin by rimming your glass with Tajín seasoning or salt, imparting a burst of flavour with every sip.
   2. In a blender, combine the tantalizing sweetness of a diced ripe mango with 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of triple sec, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup.
   3. Blend until the mixture transforms into a luscious, smooth concoction.
   4. Fill your rimmed glass with ice, ensuring each sip stays refreshingly cold.
   5. Carefully pour the mango-infused blend over the ice, releasing an aroma that whisks you away to a tropical paradise.
   6. Add a slice of mango as a garnish for the finishing touch, turning your drink into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
   7. Take a leisurely sip and let the waves of mango and tequila wash over you, making every moment feel like a summer escape.

Embrace the magic of summer with these enticing Mexican cocktails. The Paloma’s lively blend of tequila and grapefruit soda will awaken your senses, while the Mango Margarita’s tropical fusion will have you dreaming of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.

For additional ideas, you can check these two options from our friends at Tajin:

Cucumber Limeade – A unique twist on a delicious sparkling lemonade with a spicy touch and some delicious cucumber (as seen in the picture above).

Bloody Mary with Tajin – A unique twist on a traditional drink that is on another level when you add some delicious bacon (yes, you read that right, bacon. Make it some Canadian bacon)

So, gather your friends, raise your glasses, and toast to the flavours of Mexico that turn every sip into a vacation for your taste buds. Cheers to a sun-soaked and flavour-filled summer!