Try these typical drinks from central-western Mexico

Mexico's gastronomy is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural aspects of the country, which in addition to its dishes, includes its traditional beverages that are as diverse as the country's culture.

Try these typical drinks from central-western Mexico
Taste these typical beverages from central-western Mexico. Photo by Michael Discenza / Unsplash

One of the most important cultural aspects of Mexico is, without a doubt, its gastronomy, which not only includes its traditional dishes but also its traditional beverages, which are as diverse as the country's culture.

To talk about typical Mexican beverages is to talk about even the world representatives such as tequila and mezcal, they tell part of the history of the regions they represent. First of all, traditional beverages are part of Mexican gastronomy. At the same time that they are presented as a representation of the traditions of the towns where they are prepared, each one of them keeps in its origin a legend.

Although they belong to common habits, the meaning behind their production and consumption is of great value. Thus we have, for example, the agave distillates that show the mixture of the Spanish with the indigenous, because they are produced with autochthonous ingredients such as agave, but with European processes such as distillation.

On the economic side, we can say that the repositioning of mezcal and pulque is beneficial for both regions and producers, as it promotes the conservation of ancestral production practices and the care and conservation of the species from which these beverages are obtained while generating considerable economic resources at all stages of the production chain.

The beverage industry is in every sense a virtuous circle, the benefits reach everyone, those who harvest and cultivate the maguey, the producers, the consumers, and the tourists who savor the authenticity, identity, culture, sustainability, and quality of Mexico in a drink of any of the beverages.

Zacatecas

Mezcal

The state of Zacatecas has three producing regions that concentrate more than 30 labels of this drink distributed mainly in the municipality of Jalpa and the also southern Magical Towns of Teúl and Pinos; not only does the diversity of labels strengthens the mezcal offer of Zacatecas, also the variety of agave plants that it possesses to give flavor and particular character to those that are produced in this era.

Wine

The Zacatecas brand "Tierra Adentro" has been multi-awarded and recognized for its great quality and its beautiful vineyard "Campo Real" has achieved international recognition for the experiences it offers to visitors, for its delicious cuisine, and for being a majestic venue for weddings and events, thus becoming a reference in Zacatecas.

San Luis Potosi

Mezcal

San Luis Potosi is one of the best destinations for tasting mezcal due to its tradition in the artisanal manufacture of this distillate, which dates back 200 years. Where is it made? It is made in several haciendas in the Central and Altiplano Potosi. If you wish to know in-depth the details of its elaboration, visit the Mezcal Routes, which run through most of the mezcal haciendas, where you can learn about the production processes and taste its delicious products.

San Luis Potosi was one of the first states that achieved the denomination of origin of mezcal, and this state is also the only one in Mexico that continues to produce it through a clay distiller, this process is known as "vino de campanilla" (bellflower wine). So tasting mezcal from Potosi will surely be a great experience for travelers. Alcohol content 35 to 90 degrees.

Artisanal mezcal making in Mexico.
Artisanal mezcal making in Mexico. Photo by Mary West / Unsplash

Aguascalientes

Table Wines

The wine industry was one of the most important pillars for the economy of Aguascalientes; the cultivation of grapes led the State to occupy the first place in the production of this fruit. Among the types of grapes with the greatest prosperity in the State are Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Merlot, and Nebbiolo.

Guanajuato

Wine

Wine lovers will have the opportunity to discover the peculiarities of the Guanajuato terroir and to taste wines of great quality, with unique aromas and flavors, in five Guanajuato wine routes. Two are located near San Miguel de Allende, one near León, one near Salvatierra, and the fifth near the city of Guanajuato.

Tequila

The southeast of Guanajuato has unmissable wineries around Pénjamo. There are located the most important tequilas in Mexico: Tequilera Corralejo and Tequilera Real de Pénjamo. Their tours include the whole process of elaboration of tequila and agave distillates.

Mezcal

Guanajuato has within its gastronomic richness the denomination of origin for the production of Mezcal, being able to find in the state from great mezcal factories of industrial production to small distilleries that produce in an artisan way.

2017 Vintage
Grapes. Photo by Nacho Domínguez Argenta / Unsplash

Querétaro

The apple liqueur

A handmade product elaborated by local people. Where is it produced? Mainly in the mountainous area of San Joaquín and Pinal de Amoles, due to its altitude and climatic conditions. Alcohol content: 15 degrees.

Pulque

A typical beverage with high alcohol content is obtained from the fermentation of maguey. Where is it made? Mainly in the communities of Boyé, Cadereyta, and Amenalco. You can find this drink during the Pulque and Barbecue Festival. Alcohol content: 85 degrees.

Table wine

Querétaro is a wine region, second nationally and first in sparkling wine.

Classic Old fashioned-style cocktail featurin italian amaro, mexican tequila and angostura bitters, garnished with a lime wedge. made for an article were we tried to combine hard liquors with different styles of bitter liqueurs. This was one of our highlights.
Mexican tequila cocktail. Photo by Johann Trasch / Unsplash

Jalisco

Tequila

One of the most representative drinks of the country is fermented and distilled from the juice of the blue agave. Where is it made? This fiery drink is made in the Magical Town of Tequila. The International Tequila Day is celebrated on July 24 and the National Day on the 3rd Saturday of March. Alcohol content 40 degrees.

Raicilla

The raw drink of pulque and tequila, fermented and distilled in two types of agave: Lechuguila and mevámilana. Where is it produced? Raícilla is produced in all these municipalities: Atengo, Chiquilistián Juchitián, Tecolotián, Tenamaxtián, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo Corrientes, Tomatián, Atenguillo, Ayutía, Cuautla, Guachinango, Mascota, Mixtián, San Sebastián del Oeste and Talpa de Allende. The types of agave for raicilla are: Mayvombana Easker, Inacquidens Koch, Valenciana, Angustifolha Hanw and Rhodacanta Alcohol content 26 and 45 degrees.