Oh, honey, let me tell you about these Mexican drinks. They ain’t got no booze in ’em, but they sure are tasty. I tell you what, it can get hotter than a hen house in July down there in Mexico, so they got all sorts of drinks to cool you down. These drinks, they ain’t just water, you know? They got flavor, they got a kick, they got everything you need on a hot day.
First one is, I reckon it’s called, Horchata. Now, this one’s a real treat. It’s made from rice, I think. Sounds strange, but it’s good. It’s white, like milk, but sweet. They put cinnamon in it, and it tastes like a cookie, almost. It’s creamy, I reckon that’s the word. Like a milkshake, but not so thick. You drink it cold, and it just cools you right down.
- It’s good for you, too, I hear. Rice is good for your belly, they say.
- Kids love it. ‘Cause it’s sweet. Like candy, almost, but better for ya.
- You can find it all over in Mexico, I hear. Even the street sellers got it.
Then there’s this other stuff, they call it Agua Fresca. Now that just means “fresh water,” but it ain’t just water. They put all sorts of fruits in it. Watermelon, pineapple, you name it. It’s like a fruit punch, but not so sugary. Just a hint of sweetness, you know? It’s real refreshing, especially when it’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.
I remember one time, they had this one, it was bright pink, like a flamingo. Tasted like strawberries, but different. They told me, it was something called “Jamaica.” Sounds like a dance, but it’s a flower, I think. They make a drink out of it, and it’s tart, and sweet, and just perfect on a hot day.
- You can make it at home, too, they say. Just boil some water, throw in some fruit, let it sit.
- It’s good for a party, ’cause it looks so pretty.
- They sell it everywhere down there, they say, from street corners to fancy restaurants, even.
Now if you want something warm, they got this thing called Atole. I don’t know how to spell it, but that’s how it sounds. It’s thick, like a, like a thin oatmeal, I guess. They make it with corn, and it’s warm, and it fills you up. They drink it in the mornings, I hear, when it’s still a bit chilly out.
And they got Mexican Hot Chocolate. That is some good stuff, like our hot chocolate but, well, more. They put spices in it, I don’t know what all. Makes it taste, well, different, but good. Warms you right up on a cold night.
Lemonade or Limeade is another drink. That’s simple. Just lemons or limes, water, and some sugar. Everyone makes that, even here. Good with those spicy taco things they got down there.
Another thing, Sparkling Water. Just bubbly water. Nothing special, but it cleans your mouth out good, you know, after you eat something spicy. It’s like a little bath for your tongue. Everyone loves a Margarita, but that’s got the strong stuff in it. We ain’t talking about that here. These are the good, clean drinks, the ones you can give to your grandkids.
These Mexican beverages, they got something for everyone. Sweet, tart, warm, cold, you name it. They know how to make a good drink down there. It’s not just about getting your thirst quenched. It’s about, well, enjoying the day, staying cool, having something tasty. It is like a party in your mouth with all them flavors, it is.
So next time you’re feeling thirsty, maybe try one of these non alcoholic Mexican drinks. You might like it. And it is surely better than just plain old water, I tell you what.
I reckon there are a heap more of those drinks that I ain’t even mentioned. But these are the ones I know about, the ones I hear folks talking about. They are all mighty fine, those drinks are. I wish we had more of them around here, it is the true.
