Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish made of masa (corn dough) stuffed with fillings like meat, cheese, beans, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. Tamales are often served around holidays like Christmas but are enjoyed year-round as a hearty comfort food. When eating tamales, many people enjoy pairing them with beverages that complement the flavors of the masa and fillings. So what drink is best to eat with tamales?
Quick Answer: Drinks for Tamales
The most popular drinks to pair with tamales are:
- Atoles – Hot Mexican corn-based drinks
- Mexican hot chocolate
- Horchata – Sweet rice milk drink
- Jamaica – Hibiscus flower tea
- Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo
- Refreshing aguas frescas like hibiscus or tamarind
Beverages like atoles, hot chocolate, horchata, and jamaica complement the corn masa and warm fillings of tamales. The slight sweetness balances savory fillings. Mexican beers, wine, or aguas frescas also cleanse the palate between bites of tamales. Focus on drinks that won’t overpower the delicate corn flavor of the masa dough.
Traditional Drinks for Tamales
Tamales have been eaten in Mexico and Central America since pre-Columbian times by indigenous peoples like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas. Traditional drinks paired with tamales reflected the agricultural offerings of these cultures.
Atoles
Atoles are thick, warm corn-based drinks that have been drunk in Mexico and Central America for centuries. Atoles are made by boiling ground corn or cornmeal with water and flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate. Oftentimes, atoles had medicinal uses and mothers would serve them to children to treat ailments. Atole de elote is made with fresh corn and has a sweet corn flavor that complements tamales perfectly.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican hot chocolate is deeply rooted in the culture and cuisine of Mexico. It is thicker and richer than American hot chocolate, flavored with cinnamon and sometimes chile peppers. Mexican hot chocolate derives from pre-Columbian times when cacao beans were revered. The natural bittersweet chocolate flavors accentuate the masa in tamales.
Horchata
Horchata is a quintessential agua fresca in Mexico, made from soaking rice and blending it with milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Rice was introduced to Latin America by the Spanish, but indigenous people crafted refreshing rice-based drinks that evolved into horchata. The cinnamon notes provide warmth that complements tamales.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a popular agua fresca made from the vibrant red hibiscus flower, also known as flor de jamaica. The tart, floral jamaica cuts through the richness of tamales. To make jamaica, dried hibiscus flowers are boiled to extract the flavors and tinted red. Lime juice is also added for a tangy kick.
Modern Drinks Paired with Tamales
While traditional aguas frescas and atoles are excellent complements to tamales, some modern drinks pair deliciously too.
Mexican Beer
Mexican lagers like Corona and Modelo Especial are light-bodied beers that cleanse the palate between bites of masa and filled tamales. A cold Mexican beer is perfect with spicy tamales infused with hot sauce or chilies.
Wine
Mexican wines like a dry Chenin Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon can balance out tamales. Fruity notes contrast nicely with corn masa. Crisp white wines also cleanse the palate from rich fillings.
Hibiscus Aguas Frescas
Aguas frescas beyond traditional jamaica provide a refreshing beverage with tamales. Hibiscus drinks come in flavors like mango, strawberry, lime, and ginger. Thesweetness balances savory tamales while the hibiscus offers bright notes.
Tamarind Aguas Frescas
Another popular agua fresca is tamarind, made from the pulp of tamarind pods. Tamarind drinks have a unique sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the tamales.
Fruit Juices
Fresh juices like orange, pineapple, mango, or guava are sweet options to drink with tamales. Citrusy juices cleanse the palate while the sweetness provides contrast.
Drink Recommendations by Tamale Filling
The filling inside the tamale also can help determine the best beverages to accompany them.
Tomato-Chili Tamales
Beverage | Reasoning |
---|---|
Mexican lager | Cuts through spiciness |
Horchata | Calms heat with cinnamon |
Jamaica | Hibiscus notes soothe spiciness |
Pork Tamales
Beverage | Reasoning |
---|---|
Atole | Accents the corn masa |
Mexican hot chocolate | Richness complements pork |
Hibiscus aguas frescas | Cuts through the pork fat |
Cheese Tamales
Beverage | Reasoning |
---|---|
Dry white wine | Cleanses palate from cheese |
Fruit juices | Sweetness balances salty cheese |
Jamaica | Floral notes pair with cheese |
Choosing a Non-Alcoholic Beverage
Not everyone likes to drink alcohol or they need a non-alcoholic choice. Luckily, there are many refreshing aguas frescas, juices, and atoles that pair deliciously with tamales.
Best Non-Alcoholic Options
- Atole de elote
- Horchata
- Jamaica agua fresca
- Tamarind agua fresca
- Orange juice
- Guava juice
- Mango agua fresca
- Hibiscus agua fresca
- Mexican hot chocolate
Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Choosing a non-alcoholic beverage has many advantages:
- Hydrates the body and aids digestion
- Provides a refreshing contrast to the tamales
- Kids and non-drinkers can participate in the pairing
- Allows you to focus on the flavors of the tamale masa and fillings
- Prevents alcohol from overpowering the subtle corn essence of tamales
With options like atoles, aguas frescas, juices, and hot chocolate, you’ll never miss the alcohol when enjoying tamales. The variety of sweet, tart, and comforting non-alcoholic drinks beautifully complement tamales.
Traditional Aguas Frescas for Tamales
Beyond jamaica and tamarind, there are many traditional aguas frescas that Mexicans and Central Americans have paired with tamales for generations.
Chocolate Atole
Chocolate atole is a classic partner to chicken or cheese tamales. The rich chocolate notes balance the warm spices and soft cheeses in the tamales.
Horchata de Arroz
Horchata de arroz is one of the most refreshing aguas frescas, with cinnamon bringing a subtle warmth to accent tamales.
Horchata de Melon
For a fruitier horchata, melon horchata has a sweetness that contrasts nicely with spicy tamales.
Jamaica de Naranja
Jamaica de naranja combines floral hibiscus and bright orange flavors for a tangy agua fresca to cut through rich tamales.
Limón con Pepino
For a cool, savory drink, lemon cucumber agua fresca has a pleasant salty-sour flavor that cleanses the palate.
Pairing Tamales for a Party
Serving tamales for a party, holiday, or large gathering? Consider batch drinks that can be made in large quantities.
Best Batch Drinks for Tamales
- Gallons of horchata, tamarind, or jamaica agua fresca
- Citrus punch bowl with sliced orange, lime, pineapple, and strawberries
- Sangria with red wine, orange juice, sliced citrus, and berries
- Mulled Mexican wine with oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves
- Spiked Mexican hot chocolate with tequila or rum
- Margaritas or Palomas
Tips for Pairing Drinks with Tamales for Groups
- Provide wide pitchers of aguas frescas so people can refill glasses
- Set up a serve-yourself station with sangria or punch
- Offer a hot beverage like mulled wine or spiked chocolate for when it gets colder
- Prepare batches of classic margaritas or palomas with tequila, lime, grapefruit
- Involve guests by making aguas frescas, sangria, or punches together before the party
Serving tamales for a crowd? Coolers of jamaica or tamarind agua fresca are easy to refill. Pitchers of citrus punch or sangria also make great shareable drinks for tamale parties.
Conclusion
Tamales are an amazing Latin American food tradition that demands an equally amazing drink pairing. Cool, sweet aguas frescas like horchata, tamarind, or jamaica perfectly complement tamales. Hot options like atoles and Mexican hot chocolate provide comfort on chilly days. Thirst-quenching Mexican lagers, wines, citrus juices, and punches work for parties. With so many delicious choices, you’re sure to find your perfect beverage match for tamales!