An ode to Oxacan drinks

Posted on May 16th, 2018

Below is a wonderful article by Volaris that fully describes the amazing and delectable drinks of my husbands home state of Oaxaca, hope you enjoy! Should you want to read it in Spanish here's the link. 

​The region of the isthmus has always been characterized by its varied, complex and wonderful cuisine. For that reason, today we want to talk a little about the traditional drinks of Oaxaca, which although they are not as mentioned as their main courses, form an important part of the province, both historically and gastronomically.

Oaxaca is such a beautiful and diverse state that it is impossible not to talk about it whenever someone wants advice to go on vacation, or when someone mentions a gastronomic recommendation. Apart from good food, good times are guaranteed in this state of the republic.

Here is a list of the drinks you should try if you are in Oaxaca. Some are more popular, so you probably already tried them without knowing that their origin is in this place, and others may seem strange, but they are delicious.

TRADITIONAL BEVERAGES OF OAXACA

Tejate Despite being made with chocolate, the tejate is ideal for the high temperatures that suffocate the area in spring and summer. Its origin dates from pre-Hispanic times, and is made with flour, grains and cocoa flower. All these ingredients are ground together and dissolved in water. It is a super refreshing drink. And since we know you'll love it, you can buy the powder already prepared and take it home so you can make this drink whenever you want.

Mezcal The fashion drink par excellence! Although now you can find many types of mezcal in practically the whole country, the original drink is from Oaxaca, and it is a distillate of a very Mexican plant: the agave. You can travel to Matatlán and know the small farms that the lieutenants created for the visitors, who arrive eager to know the town where the best mezcal in the state is made. Although this is not a tourist place, it is worth visiting just to discover the process of creating mezcal and taste this drink. Whether it is aged, rested, white, breast or rabbit, the best way to enjoy it is with a slice of orange, salt of worm and chili powder. Remember to take with measure.

Hot chocolate. Whoever has never drank a hot chocolate from Oaxaca has simply not lived. Oaxacans usually drink this drink during breakfast or dinner, and accompany it with delicious yolk bread. Whether water or milk, this drink also of pre-Hispanic origin is attributed effects against cancer, circulatory problems, migraine, gastritis, and even aphrodisiac effects! Sweet and delicious.

Horchatas Another drink inevitable for the heat of Oaxaca are its delicious horchatas, which are accompanied by melon, rice, walnut, almond, tuna or chilacayota. You can find them in any market in the state, and they are not like the horchata waters you know. There is nothing like it!

A panele of brown sugar Panela is the juice of dried sugar cane before going through the process to turn it into sugar, so it is completely natural. The Oaxacans take it regularly at breakfast time; You can enjoy it with a delicious oaxaqueño tamal, a yolk bread or simply sipping it little by little from a jarrito.

Remember these recommendations to taste drinks on your next visit to Oaxaca, and enjoy the cultural and gastronomic legacy of the isthmus by tasting some of the most indigenous flavors of our culture. You dare?