Mexico’s Non-Alcoholic Drinks: 18 Popular Flavors to Know

by Cook In Rio - Cook in Fiesta food writer

When we think about Mexico’s beverages, the first thing that comes to mind is tequila; however, Mexico is also a great destination for those who are looking to have fun without consuming alcohol. Mexico’s non-alcoholic drinks are deeply rooted in tradition and daily life. Thanks to the high temperatures, locals know how to create beverages that are both delicious and alcohol-free. Mexico’s non-alcoholic drinks are also refreshing, hydrating, and showcase regional ingredients enjoyed by all ages. These drinks have a price range of around $2.

mexico non-alcoholic drinks

Here are Mexico’s Non-Alcoholic Drinks you should try:

Hydration

Agua de coco

Drinking agua de coco, coconut water, is the best choice to stay hydrated during your vacation. It is also safe for American stomachs.

You can tell its quality if:

✔️Has a faintly sweet smell, never sour

✔️Bottled versions have minimal or zero additives

Can be found on:

  • Beaches
  • Supermarkets
  • Juice bar
  • Street vendors

Agua fresca de piña

Agua fresca de piña, or pineapple agua fresca, is another drink that can help you stay hydrated. Taquerías

Made of fresh pineapple, water, and sugar, it is a great choice to pair with fried foods and heavy street food.

You can tell its quality if:

✔️Smells like fresh pineapple

✔️Has the texture of the fruit

Can be found on:

  • Markets
  • Street stalls
  • Juice bars
  • Taquerías


Ideal for hot weather

Agua de pepino con limón

Agua de pepino con limón, or cucumber-lime agua fresca, is a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with seafood, street snacks, and tacos.

Can be found on:

  • Markets
  • Street stalls
  • Juice bars


Licuado

Licuado is a fruit smoothie, made with water or milk and the fruit of your choice. It pairs well with tamales, pan dulce, and tortas.

Avoid it if you have dairy sensitivity.

Can be found on:

  • Cafés
  • Street carts
  • Mercados
  • Juice Bars


Jugos naturales

Mexico’s climate supports an impressive range of tropical fruits, many of which are used in freshly prepared jugos naturales, forming an essential part of Mexico’s non-alcoholic drink culture. Depending on the region and season, these juices may include mango, guava, lime, and other locally grown fruits.

Can be found on:

  • Juice bars
  • Mercados
  • Street juice carts
  • Cafés

Beyond Common Drink Choices

Horchata

Horchata is one of the most popular Mexican drinks. It is made of rice, cinnamon, and sugar.

You can tell its quality if:

✔️Has a smooth texture

✔️Has a balanced sweetness

✔️Has a pleasant cinnamon aroma

Can be found on:

  • Mercados
  • Restaurants
  • Supermarkets
  • Street vendors

Agua de Jamaica

If you are not a fan of sweet drinks, agua de Jamaica is the best choice. Also known as hibiscus tea, this drink is a classic that pairs well with spicy foods and rich fried snacks.

Can be found on:

  • Markets
  • Restaurants
  • Street vendors
  • Supermarkets

Tepache

This unique and lightly fermented pineapple drink is available in street stalls, artisanal beverage markets, and specialty bars.

⚠️ Tepache is a fermented drink, which means it can contain trace alcohol depending on fermentation time. The bottled versions usually have low alcohol, while homemade street versions vary.

Can be found on:

  • Street stalls
  • Artisanal beverage markets
  • Specialty bars

Pozol

Also known as pochotl, pozol is a drink made of corn and cacao.

With an earthy corn and chocolate flavor, this filling drink is great to be enjoyed alongside tamales, bread, and fried snacks.

Can be found on:

  • Especially in southern Mexico
  • Specialty markets

To cure hangovers

Limonada con agua fresca

To avoid dehydration caused by hangovers, consider trying limonada con agua fresca, or fresh lemonade. With a tangy, sharp, and refreshing flavor, it is also great after eating spicy food or walking.

Can be found on:

  • Mercados
  • Juice bars
  • Cafés
  • Street stalls
  • Restaurants

Jugo verde

Jugo verde, or green juice, is another great hangover cure. Made of greens/vegetables such as kale, spinach, celery, or cucumber, it is usually consumed during breakfast or light daytime meals.

Can be found on:

  • Juice bars
  • Health cafés

Made to Pair with Spicy Flavors

Agua de tamarindo

Agua de tamarindo is a sweet-tart and tangy drink made of tamarind that can help balance the spices of Mexican food.

⚠️ Although it is a refreshing beverage that pairs perfectly with foods like spicy tacos, carnitas, and fried snacks, tamarind is known for its laxative properties. It is safer to consume it in small doses.

Can be found on:

  • Street stalls
  • Mercados
  • Restaurants

Agua de guayaba

Using only three ingredients (guava, water, and sugar), it has a soft acidity that balances spice well, making it perfect to drink while eating spice tacos, carnitas, chicharrón, tamales, and other heavily seasoned street food.

Can be found on:

  • Mercados
  • Fondas
  • Juice bars
  • Street food stalls

Kid friendly

Atole

Atole, a sweet-corn-based hot drink, is a typical beverage found especially in central/southern Mexico. It is thick, comforting, mildly sweet, and can be flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.

This drink is very common at breakfast and most popular during cooler months. It pairs perfectly with tamales, pan dulce, and other breakfast foods.

Can be found during the morning on:

  • Street stalls
  • Mercados
  • Tamale stands
  • Cafés

Champurrado

Champurrado, the chocolate version of atole, is a great option, especially when traveling with kids.

As the regular atole, it is more common in cooler mornings, and it also pairs perfectly with typical breakfast foods such as tamales and pan dulce.

Can be found on:

  • Mercados
  • Tamal vendors
  • Street stalls

Bottled Drinks

Sangria Señorial

This drink is made of carbonated water, apple juice or apple flavoring, and sugar. 

With a sweet apple flavor and mild acidity, it goes perfectly with pork dishes, carnitas, and tacos al pastor.

Can be found on:

  • Supermarkets
  • Taquerías
  • Restaurants

Sidral Mundet

Sangría Señorial is another carbonated drink made with grape flavor and sugar. With a balanced sweetness, it pairs perfectly with fried foods and enchiladas. 

Can be found on:

  • Supermarkets
  • Restaurants
  • Family eateries

Jarritos

Jarritos are a bottled drink made of carbonated water, sugar, and natural or artificial flavors. Consumed nationwide, it has a sweet, fruity taste, and it pairs great with tacos, tortas, and greasy street food.

Can be found on:

  • Convenience stores
  • Taquerías
  • Supermarkets
Must tryNice to tryCautionSouvenir
Agua de cocoAgua de pepino con limónLicuado – dairy-basedSangría Señorial
Agua fresca de piñaHorchataTepache – fermentedSidral Mundet
Jugos naturalesPozolAtole – dairy-basedJarritos
Agua de JamaicaJugo verdeChampurrado – dairy-based
Limonada con agua frescaAgua de guayabaAgua de tamarindo – laxative
Agua de tamarindo

Cook With Us

For travelers looking to experience the country’s culture beyond Mexico’s non-alcoholic drinks, our Mexico food tours are a great place to start. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes and craft classic drinks inside a local home, sharing the experience with fellow travelers.

Book your spot and discover the real flavors of Mexico.

Latest Posts

Discover the flavors of Latin America
Ask us a question