por The typical drinks of Chiapas They are pozol, chia water, sour atole, tascalate, champurrado or pox (or posh), among others. These drinks have an indigenous origin. The richness and gastronomic abundance of Chiapas makes possible a range of flavors, textures and colors, as far as typical drinks are concerned.
The region’s agricultural resources play a leading role in shaping these recipes. Products such as corn, cocoa, chia, chili or achiote, are essential on the Chiapas table.
The diversity of drinks in Chiapas makes possible the existence of a wide range of options for the palate. Many of these drinks, after the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, combined other ingredients, such as cinnamon, or fruits from Asia, such as peaches.
Typical and popular drinks of Chiapas
1. pozol
It is one of the most emblematic drinks of Chiapas. It is a corn-based preparation and can be white corn, nixtamalized corn (cooked with lime) or cocoa-based.
The drink is complemented with sugar or salt (to taste of the consumer), chili and ice. It is very common in public places and in Chiapas homes, especially at noon and in the morning.
The pozol is served in small earthenware vessels or jícaras, because that is what the Chiapas tradition dictates. It must be stirred with some frequency to avoid the formation of the «well» at the bottom of the container.
2. Chia water
The nutritional and antioxidant properties of the chia seed have popularized its consumption worldwide in the last decade.
However, the consumption of this seed in Chiapas dates back centuries, when Mesoamerican cultures used it as a refreshing drink.
The best-known recipe consists of mixing a lemonade with chia seeds, and a touch of sugar to soften the flavor.
3. Tascalate
The tascalate is made from corn, sugar, cocoa, chili, cinnamon and a slight touch of achiote, to color the drink. It can be made with water or milk.
First, the corn and cocoa are browned, then they are ground together with the other components and mixed with the base. To finish, the ice is incorporated to give the refreshing touch.
Its consumption is common throughout the state of Chiapas. They can be taken at any time of the day, either as a heat reliever or as an accompaniment to a meal.
4. Pox or posh
Pox is an alcoholic beverage of ancestral origin, used in the Mayan culture as part of solemn ceremonies and as a symbol of union between the inhabitants.
This liquor is made from corn, cane and wheat. Its use is very popular among the indigenous settlements of the Chiapas Highlands.
According to indigenous beliefs, pox has healing properties and provides inner peace. In addition, it is a bridge between the material and spiritual world.
5. Sour Atole
Sour atole is a characteristic drink of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Its preparation is homemade and its consumption is very common during the winter.
To prepare the sour atole you need black corn, sugar, cloves, cinnamon and sugar. In other towns in Chiapas, atole is prepared with white corn.
6. Poote or pinol
It is a drink for the hottest season. It is prepared with corn, previously browned and ground, and then cinnamon powder is added. It is an energy drink, with a smooth and pleasant flavor.
7. Granillo atole
Its base is corn, like all atoles, only they are not completely ground and some pieces are left (hence the name). They usually drink it at dinner or breakfast.
8. Balche
It is an alcoholic beverage of Mayan origin. of the legume Lonchocarpus violaceus water and a syrup are obtained, which are fermented to produce the drink.
9. Mistela
Although the mistela is an alcoholic beverage obtained from grapes, in Chiapas various fruits are used, which are macerated for a long time in cane alcohol. It is a sweet liquor.
10. Champurrado cocoa
This is another of the traditional drinks of Chiapas. It is made with cornmeal and chocolate. Although it was derived from atole, they no longer have similarities, except for the use of corn.
References
5 Traditional drinks from Chiapas. Recovered from radiomil.com.mx.
López, S. 5 Traditional drinks from Chiapas. Recovered from todochiapas.mx.