10 Tasty and Nutritious Drinks to Order at Mexican Restaurants

The Basics: Water and Ice Tea

Sometimes simple is best. Start your Mexican meal with a tall glass of ice water with lemon or lime. The fluids fill your stomach, making you less likely to overeat. Citrus adds bright flavor without calories or sweeteners.

Unsweetened iced tea provides antioxidant plant compounds with zero sugar or carbs. Black, white, and herbal varieties pair nicely with Southwestern spices like chili powder and cumin.

Why They Work

Water and unsweetened teas hydrate without significant calories to spare for foods. The plain nature also cleanses the palate between bites of zesty entrees. Fruity herbal varieties add nutrition and subtle sweetness from natural sources.

Tips for Ordering

• Ask for lemon/lime wedges to squirt into water yourself
• Request no sweeteners added to tea
• Try chilled herbal hibiscus tea called jamaica

Salsa as Drink Mixer

Using tomato or mango salsa as an ice water enhancer taps into fruit nutrients with a spicy twist. The chunky texture and salsa flavors transform plain old water into a fiesta drink.

Nutritional Pros

Salsas provide vitamin C and lycopene from tomatoes plus compounds that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Mango additions add vitamin A. Chili pepper extracts offer metabolism-boosting heat!

Serving Suggestions

For best results, ask for salsa on the side, then stir a few spoonfuls into your glass. Start with mild salsa and add more kick if desired. Salted rim decoration optional!

Aguas Frescas

Aguas frescas means "fresh waters" in Spanish. These non-alcoholic fruit beverages get their sweetness from natural juice rather than loads of sugar. So they still offer nutritional benefits with less calorie guilt!

Common Fruity Flavors

Authentic Mexican aguas frescas come in an array of fruits like:

• Watermelon
• Strawberry
• Pineapple
• Grapefruit
• Tamarind

Mix and match your favorites for a custom combo!

Added Nutrition

In addition to natural sweetness, aguas frescas provide hydrating electrolytes from coconut water or minerals from milk additions. Some recipes feature cucumber or herbs like mint too.

Horchata

Creamy cinnamon-laced horchata makes a deliciously sweet yet lighter drink alternative. The base of rice, nuts or coconut milk creates a smoothie-like texture richer than water or tea.

Unique Ingredients

Traditional horchata features ground rice or almonds blended with sugar and cinnamon. Modern twists incorporate coconut or oat milks flavored with vanilla. Some add lime juice to balance the sweetness.

Healthy Attributes

Though sweet, horchata avoids artificial flavorings or dyes. Nut-based versions provide protein for staying power. Additions like rice, coconut or oats supply important nutrients lacking from sodas.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Warm, velvety hot chocolate gets a spicy upgrade in Mexico by incorporating cinnamon and chili peppers. The touch of heat balances intensely rich chocolate for a comforting yet invigorating sip.

Unique Flavor Components

Signature Mexican hot cocoa features:

• Pure chocolate melted from bars or discs
• Warm milk
• Cinnamon for sweet spice
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper

Possible Perks

Studies show cacao contains over 300 compounds able to positively impact mood, cardiovascular health, inflammation and more! A splash of milk adds bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D too.

Protein-Packed Licuados

Licuados resemble smoothies but often showcase more unique fruits and vegetables on top of protein ingredients. Whipping up your own creation makes for an energizing, nutrient-dense sip.

Base Ingredients

Start with a liquid base like:

• Nut milk
• Coconut water
• Fruit juice
• Low-fat milk

Then mix in protein from:

• Chia or hemp seeds
• Nut butters
• Lean meat
• Greek yogurt

Veggie and Fruit Mix-ins

Finally, throw in nourishing fruits and veggies like:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Pineapple
• Banana
• Mango

Micheladas

For those wanting an adult beverage minus heavy drinking, micheladas offer a lighter take on beer. Tomato juice cuts bitterness while chili-salt rims contrast tart citrus for perfect balance.

Customize Your Michelada

Start with Mexican beer, often a Vienna-style lager. Next squeeze fresh lime juice then add tomato juice or clamato mixture to taste. Shake on spicy chili-salt for the iconic rim.

Possible Benefits

Using lower calorie beer as the base keeps micheladas lighter than cocktails. Tomatoes provide inflammation-quelling lycopene while lime offers immune-boosting vitamin C. Enjoy just one for moderation.

Energy-Promoting Cafe de Olla

Translating to "coffee pot brew", this cinnamon-infused coffee makes perfect wakeup call. Natural sweeteners balance bitter notes for smooth flavor that energizes without jittery side effects.

Ingredients Beyond Coffee

Cafe de olla features strong coffee brewed with:

• Piloncillo (raw sugar cane)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Orange peel

Benefits Over Black Coffee

The natural sugars and spices provide sustained energy improvements versus crash-and-burn black coffee. Plus this drink taps into potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant advantages of ingredients like cinnamon and orange.

So next time your Mexican food craving strikes, know the drink menu offers far more than just booze and soda. Try these nutritionist-recommended options for staying refreshed, satisfied and healthy!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.