Many people think that the most traditional and representative drink of Mexico is tequila, and they are probably not mistaken. However, and although not everyone knows this, this impressive country also has other delightful and indigenous drink delicacies, just like tequila. One of these is Tejuino, an elixir mainly found in the region of Jalisco, particularly seen in the villages and towns of the Riviera Nayarit.
It is an ancestral drink believed to date back to pre-Columbian cultures, made from the fermentation of corn and itself. With a sweet flavor and low alcoholic content, this is one of the best ways to refresh yourself on those harsh sunny days, as its lemony taste offers great hits of freshness.
In Nayarit, this is considered one of the most representative beverages of its residents, and it can even be said to take precedence over tequila, as its antiquity goes back hundreds of years and is based on religious rites of pre-Columbian cultures. Tejuino is believed to have its origins in the Nahuatl culture and has developed in different ways according to the regions, but it has gained special prominence in Riviera Nayarit and the state of Jalisco.
What is most interesting about Tejuino is that it remains, despite the modernization imposed by the passage of years, a drink created one hundred percent artisanally, without the mediation of large industries, preservatives, or additives. You can taste it at beach vendors, and most restaurants and bars keep a favorite spot on their menus for this star of the drink list. Generally, to prepare this elixir, corn is allowed to ferment for a while and then mixed with a bit of water and local lime. The ice gives it the undeniable touch that turns Tejuino into one of the most refreshing drinks in the region, and despite its brownish color that might surprise at first, the sweet flavor is implanted on the palate of those who try it as a unique delicacy.
In Nuevo Vallarta, Rincon de Guayabitos, O de Marcos, and most of the towns that make up the Riviera Nayarit, Tejuino is popularly known as the delicacy of the Huichol gods, and around it swirl various legendary stories that transport us back in time and lead us to the religious rituals of ancient civilizations. In any case, if you are vacationing in these dreamlike geographies and want to experience the most typical of the culinary heritage, Tejuino will undoubtedly come first.
Try Tejuino, the delicacy of the gods, Nayarit and let yourself be transported to the past of the region while experiencing a feast for the senses!
Portuguese Versión: Prove Tejuino, o “manjar dos deuses”, em Nayarit
