Frozen Drinks in Mexico: Cool Refreshment Guide & Recipes

Mexico is not only famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine but also for its refreshing array of frozen beverages. From tangy margaritas to sweet and spicy mangonadas, Mexican frozen drinks offer a delightful escape from the heat while tantalizing your taste buds with unique flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of frozen drinks in Mexico, exploring their origins, ingredients, and cultural significance.

Horchata

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink that originates from Spain. It is made from rice milk, flavored with cinnamon and sweetened with sugar. While horchata is commonly served cold, it can also be enjoyed frozen, especially during hot summer months. The icy version of horchata provides a refreshing treat with a creamy texture and hints of cinnamon, perfect for cooling down on a scorching day.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups of long grain rice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups of boiling water
• Sugar (to taste)
• 3 cups of water
• 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the long grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice and cinnamon stick. Cover with 4 cups of boiling water and let it soak overnight or for at least 4 hours.
3. After soaking, transfer the rice mixture to a blender. Add sugar to taste and blend until smooth.
4. Strain the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any grainy texture.
5. Stir in 3 cups of water, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Taste the horchata and adjust sweetness or dilution with additional sugar or water as desired.
7. Serve the horchata over ice cubes in glasses. Stir before serving, as it may settle over time.
8. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
9. Enjoy your homemade horchata as a refreshing and delicious drink!

Chelada

A chelada is a beer-based cocktail popular in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City. It typically consists of beer, lime juice, and salt served over ice. While the classic chelada is not frozen, some variations include blending the ingredients with ice to create a frosty and invigorating beverage. The icy chelada offers a crisp and tangy flavor, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing drink on a sunny afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 lime wedge
• Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Ice cubes
• 1 Mexican lager beer (such as Corona, Modelo, or Tecate)
• 4 ounces of tomato juice
• Hot sauce (like Tabasco), to taste
• Worcestershire sauce, to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by rimming the edge of a tall glass with salt. To do this, rub the lime wedge along the rim of the glass, then dip it into a plate of salt to coat the rim.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes to your preference.
3. Squeeze the lime wedge into the glass and drop it in.
4. Pour the tomato juice into the glass.
5. Add a few dashes of hot sauce, adjusting the amount to suit your taste for spiciness.
6. Shake a few drops of Worcestershire sauce into the glass, again adjusting to your preference.
7. Top off the glass with the Mexican lager beer.
8. Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors.
9. Optionally, garnish with additional lime wedges or other desired garnishes.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Chelada!

Jarritos

Jarritos are iconic Mexican sodas known for their vibrant colors and authentic fruit flavors. While not traditionally served frozen, Jarritos can be transformed into delicious frozen treats by blending them with ice. The result is a slushy concoction bursting with fruity goodness, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. Whether you prefer mango, pineapple, or guava, Jarritos frozen drinks are sure to delight your taste buds.

Mangonada

A mangonada is a popular Mexican frozen drink made with mango, chamoy, and Tajin seasoning. It combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the tanginess of chamoy and the spicy kick of Tajin, creating a flavor sensation that is both refreshing and addictive. The frozen mangonada is typically served in a cup or a glass, layered with mango chunks, chamoy sauce, Tajin seasoning, and ice, resulting in a delightful and visually appealing treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen chopped mango (slice and freeze fresh mango easily)
• 3/4 cup mango nectar (or use mango juice)
• Juice from 1/2 small lime
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or more to taste)
• 1/2 cup crushed ice
• 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning (+ more for the rim if desired)
• 2 tablespoons chamoy sauce (+ more for the rim if desired)
• Mango slices/chunks for serving (also tamarind candy straw, if desired)

Instructions:

1. Add the frozen mango, mango nectar, lime juice, sugar, and ice to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.
2. On separate plates, add a bit of chamoy sauce to one plate and a bit of Tajin seasoning to another plate. Dip the rim of a large glass into the chamoy sauce, then into the Tajin seasoning to rim the glass.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of chamoy sauce to the glass, then half of the frozen mango mixture. Repeat.
4. Top with fresh mango slices. Enjoy with a straw or a spoon!

Mezcal Margarita

The mezcal margarita is a smoky twist on the classic margarita cocktail. Made with mezcal, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup, this frozen drink offers a unique flavor profile that is both bold and refreshing. The addition of mezcal adds depth and complexity to the traditional margarita, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Served frozen with a salted rim, the mezcal margarita is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Mezcal
• 3/4 oz Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup (Recipe below)
• Blackberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 1/2 oz of Mezcal to the shaker.
3. Pour in 3/4 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. Add 1/2 oz of Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup to the shaker.
5. Shake the ingredients vigorously until well-chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
6. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice.
7. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
8. Serve and enjoy responsibly!

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican hot chocolate is a beloved beverage enjoyed during the colder months. Made with chocolate, milk, cinnamon, and sometimes chili peppers, it offers a rich and indulgent flavor that warms the soul. While traditionally served hot, Mexican hot chocolate can also be enjoyed frozen as a decadent treat. Simply blend the ingredients with ice to create a creamy and refreshing frozen drink that combines the richness of chocolate with the spiciness of cinnamon and chili peppers.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (709 ml) water
• 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
• 10 to 12 allspice berries
• 20 whole cloves
• 4 1/2 ounces (130 grams) piloncillo (or substitute dark brown sugar)
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt
• (3) 12-ounce (350 ml) cans evaporated milk
• 8 ounces (227 grams) unsweetened baking chocolate
• 8 ounces (227 grams) semi-sweetened baking chocolate
• 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine water, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and whole cloves. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the water with spices.
2. Add piloncillo (or dark brown sugar) and salt to the simmering water. Stir until the piloncillo dissolves completely.
3. Pour in the evaporated milk and continue simmering over medium-low heat for another 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, roughly chop the unsweetened and semi-sweetened baking chocolate.
5. Add the chopped chocolate to the simmering milk mixture. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and well combined.
6. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully incorporated. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more sweetened condensed milk if desired.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the hot chocolate mixture in a blender until smooth.
9. Serve the Mexican hot chocolate hot in mugs, optionally garnished with whipped cream or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Enjoy!

Michelada

The michelada is a popular Mexican beer cocktail known for its bold and zesty flavor. Typically made with beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, it offers a refreshing and invigorating taste that is perfect for hot summer days. While the classic michelada is served over ice, it can also be enjoyed frozen for a unique twist on this beloved beverage. The frozen michelada combines the tanginess of lime juice with the spiciness of hot sauce, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink that is sure to please your palate.

Ingredients:

• 4 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of Maggi seasoning
• 5 grams (about 1/2 tablespoon) of Sumac
• 5 grams (about 1/2 tablespoon, or more to taste) of Aleppo chili flakes
• Juice of a large lime, approximately 50 grams of liquid
• 1 1/2 cups of Clamato
• 2 bottles of Modelo Especial

For the rim dust:

• 1 tablespoon of Sumac
• 1 tablespoon of Aleppo chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons of flake salt

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass or pitcher, combine Maggi seasoning, Sumac, Aleppo chili flakes, and lime juice.
2. Stir the mixture until well combined.
3. Add Clamato to the mixture and stir again until thoroughly mixed.
4. Prepare the rim dust by combining Sumac, Aleppo chili flakes, and flake salt on a small plate.
5. Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of each serving glass.
6. Dip the rim of each glass into the rim dust mixture to coat evenly.
7. Fill each glass halfway with Modelo Especial beer.
8. Pour the prepared Michelada mix into each glass, filling them to the top.
9. Optionally, garnish with additional lime wedges or other preferred garnishes.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your Texan Micheladas!

Agua de Jamaica

Agua de Jamaica, or hibiscus tea, is a popular beverage in Mexico known for its vibrant color and refreshing flavor. Made from dried hibiscus flowers, water, and sugar, it offers a tart and floral taste that is both refreshing and thirst-quenching. While traditionally served cold, Agua de Jamaica can also be enjoyed frozen for a delightful and invigorating treat. Simply blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy drink that is bursting with flavor and color.

Ingredients:

• 2 gallons of water
• 2-4 cups of dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica flowers) *Soak overnight in 3 cups of water
• 4 cups of sugar
• Lime (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large container, combine 2 gallons of water.
2. Place 2-4 cups of dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica flowers) in a separate container and cover them with about 3 cups of water. Let the flowers sit overnight to infuse.
3. After the flowers have soaked overnight, strain the liquid into the large container with the water.
4. Add 4 cups of sugar to the hibiscus-infused water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice into the agua de jamaica for added flavor.
6. Serve the agua de jamaica chilled over ice.
7. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Mexican beverage!

Tepache

Tepache is a traditional Mexican fermented pineapple drink that offers a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Made by fermenting pineapple rinds with water, sugar, and spices, it has a slightly fizzy texture and a refreshing taste that is perfect for hot summer days. While tepache is traditionally served cold, it can also be enjoyed frozen for a fun and refreshing twist. Simply blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy drink that is bursting with tropical flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 pineapple (organic preferred)
• Approximately 1 cup of brown sugar (or piloncillo/turbinado sugar)
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• Optional: additional spices like star anise, cloves, or ginger

Instructions:

1. Rinse the pineapple thoroughly, then peel and core it. Slice about 1/4 of the pineapple fruit and set aside.
2. In a gallon glass jar (brew vessel), dissolve the brown sugar in some water.
3. Add the sliced pineapple fruit, along with the pineapple core and skin, into the brew vessel. Fill the vessel with enough water to cover the fruit.
4. Drop in the stick of cinnamon and any optional spices you desire.
5. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the sugar.
6. Loosely cover the vessel with a lid, ensuring it’s barely sealed.
7. Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for approximately 1 week. During this time, the brew will lighten in color and may become slightly carbonated and more acidic.
8. If you prefer a carbonated tepache, strain the solid pieces out of the brew and bottle the liquid in food-safe, pressure-rated bottles suitable for fermentation. Ensure the bottles are airtight.
9. Let the bottled tepache ferment at room temperature for 4-7 days or longer, depending on your carbonation preferences and room temperature. Experimentation may be needed to find the perfect carbonation level.
10. Always chill the bottles thoroughly before opening to ensure the carbonation stays in the liquid.

Carajillo

Carajillo is a classic Mexican coffee cocktail made with coffee and Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur. While traditionally served hot, it can also be enjoyed frozen for a refreshing and invigorating treat. Simply blend the ingredients with ice to create a creamy and indulgent frozen drink that combines the bold flavors of coffee with the sweetness of Licor 43. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or an after-dinner indulgence, the frozen carajillo is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 ounces of Licor 43
• 2 ounces of Espresso

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 ounces of Licor 43 over the ice.
3. Add 2 ounces of freshly brewed espresso to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Optionally, garnish with a twist of orange peel or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Carajillo cocktail!

Conclusion

Frozen drinks in Mexico offer a delightful way to beat the heat while indulging in the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. From tangy margaritas to sweet and spicy mangonadas, there’s a frozen treat to suit every taste preference. So the next time you find yourself craving something refreshing, why not try one of these delicious frozen beverages? Salud!