- The 5 main typical drinks of Veracruz
- 1- Pot coffee
- 2- Peanut toritos
- 3- Xico Green
- 4- Menyul from Veracruz
- 5- Kahlúa
- References
The typical drinks of Veracruz are a demonstration of the variety of its culinary culture. This Mexican state is located on a long and narrow strip of land on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Its hot and humid climate makes cold drinks very popular. Among the refreshing drinks, the fresh waters stand out. These are made with any type of fruit.
Fresh waters are similar to lemonade and orangeade, but with other variations. Even flowers, herbs and vegetables are used.
The basic idea is to combine these ingredients with some sugar and lemon to enhance the flavor.
The 5 main typical drinks of Veracruz
1- Pot coffee
In Veracruz there is a local version of a drink consumed worldwide: café de olla.
It is a coffee infusion that is cooked in a pot made of clay. To this infusion, piloncillo or brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and other spices are added.
The result is a sweet and thick drink that is highly appreciated by both Veracruz residents and visitors to that state.
The main ingredient of this drink, coffee, is one of the items that is grown with the greatest success in Veracruz lands.
2- Peanut toritos
The Toritos de Cacahuete drink is another of the most desired typical drinks of Veracruz. This drink combines peanut butter, milk, ice, and cane liquor or vodka.
Sometimes the peanut is replaced by soursop, coconut, guava, or mango. It is a highly requested drink on the hottest days. It also serves as a companion for "picadas" (appetizers).
The origin of the name is due to the day laborers, who were the first to mix these ingredients. At the end of their days they felt relaxed and "like bulls" when consuming this drink.
3- Xico Green
The green of Xico is a drink native to the town of Xico, in Veracruz. This is made from herbs among which are lemon verbena, anise, chamomile and lemon balm.
Cane brandy is added to these herbs and it is sweetened with sugar. This cocktail is highly appreciated and has healing properties because it is prepared with herbs from the region.
4- Menyul from Veracruz
The Veracruz menyul is a version of a cocktail originating in the southern United States. It is specifically the Mint Yulep, a drink that was served at the Kentucky Derby in the 18th century.
There are no exact records of when it arrived in Mexico. However, it is known that visitors from that southern state popularized it in the port of Veracruz.
The adoption of this drink included the substitution of aged rum for bourbon and mint for spearmint.
5- Kahlúa
Kahlúa is one of the typical drinks of Veracruz that enjoys international fame. It is a coffee-based liqueur made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, sugar cane liquor, caramel and vanilla.
This has been made in Veracruz since 1936. Many suggest that the name kahlúa comes from the ancient Nahuatl language and means "house of the Acolhua."
However, the company that makes it says the name comes from the Arabic slang for coffee (kahwa).
References
- Fisher, J.; Jacobs, D. and Keeling, S. (2013). The Rough Guide to Mexico.
New York: Penguin.
- Tourism in Veracruz. (2011, January 23). Veracruz Drinks. Retrieved on December 18, 2017, from turismoenveracruz.mx
- Martínez, Z and Mendelson, A. (2004). Zarela's Veracruz: Mexico's Simplest Cuisine. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
- E-query. Veracruz. (2014, December 2). The origin of the Veracruz bull. Retrieved on December 18, 2017, from e-veracruz.mx
- Saldaña, A. (2013, June 28). Summer cocktails. Retrieved on December 18, 2017, from 24-horas.mx
- Deschenes, S. (2014). Eat the Year: 366 Fun and Fabulous Food Holidays to Celebrate Every Day. London: Hachette UK.