Pulque: A Traditional Mexican Drink

For those of you that didn't tune in to La Cocina de Leslie yesterday, I asked if you could identify the mystery beverage pictured above.  Some of you guessed that it was either a Tequila Sunrise, Tejuino, Agua de Tamarindo or a Michelada.  All great guesses, but none were correct.

The mystery beverage is a sweet and spicy drink called Pulque.  A traditional beverage that has existed in Mexico since before the Spanish conquest.

Pulque is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the Maguey plant.  A non-alcoholic pulque can also be made with the fresh (unfermented) sap called Agua Miel.

Maguey plant

In many places throughout Mexico, you can find Pulquerias - cantinas that only serve pulque.   But in my small town, that isn't necessary.  We have a Pulque vendor who walks by a couple of times a week with his mobile pulqueria in a wheelbarrow.

Wheelbarrow Pulqueria

If you choose to, you can drink pulque straight up.  But here in Jalisco we like it with a little more flavor and texture in the form of chopped orange and red onion in a spicy chile sauce. 

To prepare the Pulque, Don Tomas first adds a couple tablespoons of his spicy fruit mixture.

The combination of flavors really work well together without being too spicy.  If I can handle the heat, anyone can.   And it is so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Don Tomas then fills the cup with Agua Miel.

So if you're ever in the neighborhood or visiting any area of Mexico, this is one beverage that you have to try.

My youngest enjoying a cup of non-alcoholic Pulque prepared with Agua Miel.

*Pulque is rich in vitamins, minerals and even protein!