One thing that can never be missing from a Latino dining table in the winter is a traditional hot drink, accompanied by a piece of sweet bread. It’s a must-have to keep our hands and bodies nice and warm, and it also sets the stage for the holidays. There’s a great variety of hot drinks, since each country brings to the table a taste from their own region. Here are 9 traditional drinks from Latin America you need to try when visiting the continent.
Ponche
Mexican ponche is the US version of fruit punch but on steroids. Once you go Mexican fruit punch, you’ll never go back. It’s made with tecojote (a fruit native to Mexico), sugar cane, hibiscus flowers, guayaba, tamarind, prunes, apples, cinnamon, and piloncillo, which is brown sugar cane. Ponche is essential and traditionally made for the holiday parties. The origins of ponche can be traced back to India; the English brought it back to Europe, and the Spaniards brought it Mexico. The recipe today is very different from the original, since it was modified to use fruits native to Mexico.
Atole and Champurrado
These two Mexican drinks are very similar: the difference is that champurrado is made with corn dough and atole is made with corn starch. Both have thick consistencies, but champurrado a bit thicker. Champurrado is normally chocolate flavored, but it’s also served natural flavor. Atoles come in a wide array of flavors, from strawberry to vanilla, chocolate, oatmeal, natural, amaranto, chai, oreo- cookie, guayaba, and pineapple. These drinks date back to pre-Hispanic times.
Coquito
For Puerto Ricans (and also other latinos) this is the to-go drink to stay warm in the winter. It’s made with coconut cream, condensed milk, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. And yes, many adults do like to add a splash or two of rum. It can also can be made with guava, strawberry, nutella, and chocolate. There are several versions about the origin of this drink, but many say that the name is a spinoff of “coco con ron,” the drink of choice for sugar cane farmers.
Ponche Crema de Oro
This drink from the Dominican Republic is a milk-based liquor that people drink year-round, but especially during the winter. While there’s a mass-produced version, many still like to make it from scratch, using gallina-criollo eggs and sometimes coffee. The eggnog version is made in December, but it can also be made without alcohol.
Atole De Elote
Guatemalans don’t need a reason to drink this traditional drink, but the warm drink is especially enjoyed in the winter. It’s a sweet beverage made of white corn, starch, and ground cinnamon. This beverage is also enjoyed in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico.
Crema de Vie
This traditional hot drink is the Cuban version of eggnog. This rich drink is made with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, egg yolks, sugar, water, vanilla, and the rum is optional. This drink dates back to the Middle Ages in the European islands (these include over 300 large and small islands), France, Scandinavia, and even Russia.
Cola de Mono (Monkey’s tail) / Coctel de Algarrobina
This Chilean drink was actually discovered by the Chilean president Pedro Montt in Peru. When he went to the US, they loved it, and when asked what it was called, he replied “Colt de Montt,” given that he had just received a Colt pistol from the president. In Chile, it was modified by adding aguardiente, while Peruvians add pisco, their traditional liquor. Eventually, it would become known as Cola de Mono, easier to say. The Peruvians call this drink “coctel de Algarrobina,” and it varies from the Chilean version.
Yerba Mate
Where there’s an Argentinian, there is mate. While most people take coffee or tea, Argentinians take mate. Oh, and the way to make it is art in itself. It has to be made in a special mate cup with it’s own special straw. It has the strength of coffee and the advantages of tea. It was first consumed by the indigenous people of southern Brazil. Through the Spanish colonization, it spread to Paraguay and Argentina.
Each Latin American country has their own traditional delicious hot drinks that they make during the winter to stay warm. Without these delicious drinks, the holidays would be incomplete. These hot drinks have become a staple for each country, and the recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Make sure to try these drinks while visiting Latin America.
