🇲🇽 Mexican Cuisine · Drinks

Atole

Prep

5 mins

Cook

10 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

A comforting hot drink of masa, milk, and piloncillo flavored with vanilla or strawberry, served alongside tamales.

Ingredients

  • 500g pork shoulder
  • 2 cups corn tortillas
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • a generous handful of red bell peppers
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • salsa verde, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the white rice and orange juice in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the dried oregano and crumbled cotija cheese, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 10 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with Mexican crema, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with cilantro just before serving.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more Mexican crema, but you cannot take it away.

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.