Throughout Latin America we keep our pre-hispanic roots and traditions alive in the form of colorful celebrations, and everyone knows a party isn’t a party if there isn’t a bit of drinking involved.
This is probably the reason we are still so in touch with a lot of pre-Columbian civilization alcoholic drinks that were derived through the fermentation and roasting of the varied grains, fruits and seeds that thrive on our colorful continent.
Here’s a list of some of the pre-hispanic drinks that are still wildly popular today:
Chicha (Latin America)
Probably the most popular of the pre-hispanic drinks, this corn fermented drink is found all throughout Latin America, and varies from region to region. You may have seen old ladies chewing up corn kernels and spitting them into big ollas, they’re making chicha. It is particularly popular in Argentina because it's enjoyed during the celebration of Pachamama.
Masato (Colombia, Perú y Venezuela)
Considered the sacred drink of the Amazon jungle, depending on the country and/or region, this drink can be made using either yucca, rice, corn or pineapple, and uses that special ingredient that aids in fermentation, you guessed it, spit. In Colombia, the drink is closer to an horchata.
Pulque (Mexico)
Before there was Tequila, the Aztecs were using the “milk” or aguamiel of the agave and maguey plants to make this drink used to worship the god Mayahuel, its deity. There were rigorous laws about who was allowed to drink Pulque, when and where. Besides being intoxicating, it has a high content of vitamins and proteins.
Pozol (Mexico)
The Mayans concocted this drink made from corn and cacao to combat the heat, and it was known to imbue strength and virility. Mayans called it “pochotl”. Traditionally, it is consumed from jícaras, or bowls made out of coconut shells.
Aloja de Algarroba (Latin America)
This simple drink is made from the carob tree’s bean-like fruit, water, and sugar and has been around for millenia, but it got its name, aloja, from the Spanish. In Chile, the aloja is made from the cullen plant and it's traditionally during Navidad.
Guarapo (Cuba and Colombia)
Usually known as the drink of the laborers, guarpo is made from sugarcane juice extraction. It is one of the main precursors of rum.
Yerba mate (Latin America)
Unlike the rest of the drinks on this list, this "tea" or infusion was not banned by the colonizers, and continued to be traditionally consumed throghout Latin America, in particular Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay--who still despute its origin and legitimacy.