Drinks in El Salvador: Alcoholic Drinks in El Salvador to Try

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From fragrant, home-grown coffee to vibrant tropical fruit drinks and unique alcoholic beverages, El Salvador boasts a rich variety of traditional and modern drinks that complement its vibrant culture and cuisine. Let’s explore these drinks in detail and discover the tastes of El Salvador.

Related Travel Guides in El Salvador:

• Breakfast in El Salvador
• Sim Cards for El Salvador
• Fruits in El Salvador
• Travel Insurance for El Salvador

Alcoholic Drinks in El Salvador

Pilsener and Suprema

These are two popular Salvadoran beers. Pilsener is a lager with a crisp and refreshing taste, while Suprema is a premium lager, known for its smooth and slightly fruity flavor. Both are enjoyed chilled and are perfect accompaniments to Salvadoran cuisine.

Licor de Indio

This is a traditional Salvadoran liqueur made from several different herbs. It has a bitter-sweet taste and is typically enjoyed straight or as a digestif after a meal.

Coco Borracho

This translates to “drunk coconut.” It’s a cocktail made from coconut water, sugar, and Salvadoran rum. It is a sweet and tropical beverage often enjoyed on the beach or during Salvadoran festivals.

Tic Tack

Tic Tack is a classic Salvadoran malt soda. It’s a sweet, non-alcoholic drink that has a unique flavor, often compared to a combination of root beer and cream soda.

Non Alcoholic Drinks in El Salvador

Traditional Salvadoran Coffee

El Salvador’s fertile volcanic soil, high altitude, and tropical climate provide the perfect conditions for growing coffee. Salvadoran coffee is renowned worldwide for its quality and distinctive taste. The country’s coffee culture centers around “café de olla” – coffee traditionally brewed in a clay pot, sweetened with panela (unrefined cane sugar), and often enjoyed with a piece of sweet bread.

Atol de Elote

Atol de Elote is a traditional Salvadoran drink made from fresh sweet corn, milk, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon. This rich, creamy beverage is often enjoyed as a dessert or mid-afternoon snack and is especially popular during the rainy season.

Horchata Salvadoreña

A refreshing and creamy drink, Salvadoran horchata is made from morro seeds and often includes cocoa, sesame seeds, rice, and cinnamon. Unlike its Mexican counterpart, which is rice-based, Salvadoran horchata has a unique, nutty flavor and is often served chilled.

Jamaica Flower Drink (Agua de Jamaica)

This is a tangy and refreshing drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. The flowers are steeped in boiling water, strained, and then sweetened to taste. It is often served chilled and provides a fantastic refreshing burst of flavor on hot days.

Cashew Drink (Maranon)

Cashew fruit, known as Maranon in El Salvador, is used to prepare a delicious and slightly tangy juice. It is a sweet, thick, and pulpy beverage usually served chilled.

Chicha

Chicha is a fermented or non-fermented beverage often made from corn. In El Salvador, Chicha de maiz is a popular variant, a fermented corn drink with a slightly sour and unique taste. This ancestral beverage has deep roots in Salvadoran Indigenous communities.

Kolachampan

Kolachampan is a well-loved carbonated drink that is native to El Salvador. Made with sugar cane, it has a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Whether enjoyed with pupusas or on its own, Kolachampan is an integral part of the Salvadoran beverage scene.

Arrayán

Arrayán is a traditional Salvadoran alcoholic beverage made from the fruit of the Arrayán tree. The fruits are fermented with sugar to create a strong, sweet liquor that is often enjoyed during celebrations.

Cebada

Cebada is a sweet and creamy Salvadoran drink made from barley. It is bright pink in color and often enjoyed cold. Cebada is a popular choice during the hot Salvadoran summer.

Tamarind Juice

In El Salvador, the tangy fruit of the tamarind tree is used to make a sweet and sour juice. This refreshing drink is often served over ice and is a favorite thirst quencher on hot days.

Guanabana

Guanabana, or soursop, is a tropical fruit that is used in El Salvador to make a creamy, sweet, and slightly tart drink. This distinctive beverage is a delightful taste of the tropics.

Cocoa and Chocolate Drinks

Given the long history of cocoa cultivation in Central America, it’s no surprise that Salvadorans enjoy a variety of cocoa and chocolate-based drinks. From hot cocoa made from scratch to chilled chocolate drinks, these beverages are a treat for the taste buds.

Ensalada (Salvadoran Fruit Punch)

Ensalada is a Salvadoran fruit punch made with diced tropical fruits, water, sugar, and often a touch of cinnamon. It’s typically served chilled, and it’s not uncommon to eat the fruit with a spoon once you’ve finished the drink.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of drinks in El Salvador. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets of San Salvador or enjoying a quiet moment in the countryside, there’s always a unique Salvadoran beverage to discover.

Final Thoughts on Drinks in El Salvador

Exploring the drinks of El Salvador offers a refreshing perspective on the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse agricultural bounty. Whether sipping on a cup of traditional Salvadoran coffee, enjoying the sweet flavors of Kolachampan, or savoring the creamy goodness of Atol de Elote, these drinks are sure to delight and satisfy.

Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of Salvadoran cuisine and culture through the lens of its delightful and diverse beverages. From traditional drinks with deep cultural roots to modern favorites, there’s a Salvadoran drink to suit every palate.