Mexico’s Popular Drinks (A Few of My Favorites)

First off, you CAN buy water in Mexico to drink. Don’t let alcohol be the excuse for not drinking proper hydration liquids. But! If you do have an inkling to try adult beverages one fine Mexican evening, I’ve got a few ideas on what drinks you can order to satisfy the spirits.

Mexico is made of many different states each with their own variety of foods and beverages. So when it comes to naming what drinks you should order, it could honestly be countless. Mexico City is the one city where all of these varieties will come to be tried and mixed in with the cultures.

For example the region of Tequila, brings in the tequila. Or from Hidalgo, comes the drink, Pulque. All of which defines the very eclectic Mexico City. 

Without further adieu, here is a list of drinks locals have recommended me or I have personally tried while living in Mexico City.

• Pulque – An alcoholic beverage with a milky froth. It is derived from the Maguey Plant.
• Tequila – As real champagne only comes from Champagne, France, so does Tequila. It comes from the blue agave plant from the Mexican City, Tequila.
• Mezcal – This drink also comes from the agave plant. But the defining savor has smokier notes than its Tequila cousin.
• Carajillo – A coffee cocktail that gives you that extra pick me up at night.
• Margarita – A tequila cocktail with citrusy juice.
• Michelada – A drink mixed with beer, spicy sauces and lime juice. I’m not a huge fan. Yet…
• Honey Boo – A specific cocktail that a waitress recommend me was specific to the local gastro lounge, Terraza Roma.

How to Order Drinks in Mexico

Depending on the area of Mexico City you are in, some bartenders will speak English. But for the majority, you may have to pull out the handy dandy Google Translator.

Otherwise, if you already know what Mexican drink you’d like to try just say that drink and please. ie cerveza, por favor.

Tequila, por favor. 

Carajillo, por favor.

You get it. 

What I Think of These Drinks

Mezcal

(Above photo was taken during an AirBnB Mezcal cocktail experience in Roma Norte. It was at a private venue called Salón Rosario where we created our own cocktails made of Mezcal.)

For drinks I’ve particularly liked trying was the mezcal. I admit, it does take some getting used to. But it grows on you with time. It’s also one of the strongest drinks on my list, so it’s better to start the night out with this rather than ending with it.

Michelada and Margarita

For a social fun and not night club vibe, most people here will seem to order a margarita or michelada. Both of these drinks are not my personal favorites. But if you want a drink that warms you up, michelada would be a nice ask because of the spiciness inside.

Carajillo

(I was at Boccado Prendes La Mexicana, a restaurant in Santa Fe when I tried this carajillo. It was to accompany my Chile en Nogado, which in hindsight was not the best pairing. It was my afternoon drink only steps away from the luxury apartment I’m currently staying in.)

Carajillo is a new drink for me. I’m a fan of this. But I’m sensitive to caffeine, so I try not to drink this at night. For me it’s a drink for a relaxing weekend morning or lunch. The only time I may drink this at night is if I plan to stay out all night.

Pulque

I’ve never actually tried this drink. I’ve been meaning to. From my understanding it is not as common, but it is a drink that is on the come back. It seems to have some traditional and deeply rooted cultural symbolism ( incredibly important in Mexico). It’s a drink I’m on the lookout for.

Honey Boo

(Above drink is specific to the restaurant vibes of Roma Norte. Terraza Roma’s Honey Boo was a drink recommendation from the waitress at this restaurant. 5 stars for this whisky and maracuya mix.)

This drink isn’t particularly deeply rooted in Mexico’s culture. It is more of a drink iconic to the modern, more hip, and more luxurious ambiance that the Roma Norte neighborhood offers. It is a cocktail mixed from the Maracuya plant and Scotch Whisky. It was a great recommendation from the waitress. I think this drink can only be found at Terraza Roma.

Beers or Cervezas of Mexico

Of course you can also get the classic cerveza (beer for the uninitiated).

The beers of Mexico are world renown. For example I’m sure you’ve heard at least one or two of the beers below.

A list of Mexican Beers

• Corona
• Modelo
• Estrella
• Sol Cerveza
• Dos Equis
• Victoria

I usually go for whatever is the cheapest when I’m out. I’m not much of a beer connoisseur when I’m traveling. But perhaps a few more months living in Mexico City would make me appreciate the more local brewery scenes.

Other Drinks

There are a lot more options in Mexico to get drinks. They have a lot of imported beers and recipes as well for drinks. If you fancy a taste of home, just put that drink in Google Translator, and ask for it.

(You can get any drink you want in Mexico City. This is a classic martini I ordered in a highly reviewed gastro lounge in Roma Norte – Terraza Roma)

If you also want traditional non-alcoholic drinks you can ask for below.

Non-Alcoholic Virgin Drinks to Order in Mexico

• Horchata – Rice with cinnamon drink. This has got to be one of my favorite Mexican non-alcoholic beverages.
• Agua Fresca – Water and a mix of fresh fruit juice.
• Piña Colada – This is technically not from Mexico. But it’s still delicious.

Related Questions

What drink to try in Mexico?

Mezcal and Michelada would be two iconic drinks to try while in Mexico. Mezcal is a drink made from the agave plant which has smokey notes. It’s a stronger drink than the Michelada, which is beer with lime juice and spicy sauces.

What is Mexico’s drinking age?

The drinking age is 18 in Mexico. However, the restrictions for alcohol are not as strictly enforced as you would find in the USA.

What’s the strongest alcohol in Mexico?

Mezcal is one the strongest drinks that is traditionally Mexican. It is made out of the agave plant and is a stronger drink than its counterpart, the tequila.