When you bite into a hot, fresh pupusa, the rich flavors of masa, cheese, beans, and pork come alive in your mouth. But to truly elevate your pupusa experience, you need the perfect drink to complement those delicious flavors. Here’s a guide to 13 of the best drinks to accompany pupusas, guaranteed to enhance your meal and keep the fiesta going!
1. Horchata
Imagine a warm day in El Salvador, the sun shining brightly as you sip on a glass of cold, creamy horchata. This traditional drink, made from ground rice, cinnamon, and sometimes almonds or sesame seeds, is sweet and refreshing, providing a perfect counterbalance to the savory richness of pupusas. Plus, it’s fun to watch people try to pronounce “horchata” correctly after a few glasses.
2. Agua de Jamaica
Also known as hibiscus tea, agua de Jamaica is a vibrant red drink with a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Its tangy taste cuts through the richness of pupusas, providing a refreshing contrast. Made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers, this drink is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants. It’s a great conversation starter as you explain that it’s not actually made from jam.
3. Tamarindo
If you enjoy a mix of sweet and tangy flavors, tamarindo is your go-to drink. Made from tamarind pods, this beverage has a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory and sometimes spicy notes of pupusas. It’s like the culinary equivalent of those plot twists in your favorite TV series—unexpected but oh-so-satisfying.
4. Pilsner
For those who enjoy a cold beer with their meal, a crisp Pilsner is a fantastic choice. This light lager, with its mild bitterness and clean finish, won’t overpower the flavors of your pupusas. Instead, it complements them, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience. Plus, holding a Pilsner in hand always makes you look cool and cultured.
5. Michelada
Take your beer game up a notch with a Michelada. This Mexican favorite is a spicy, tangy, and savory beer cocktail made with lime juice, assorted sauces (like hot sauce, Worcestershire, or soy sauce), spices, and tomato juice. It’s like a beer had a wild night out with a Bloody Mary and they had a delicious, zesty love child. Perfect for those who like a bit of kick with their meal.
6. Margarita
A classic margarita—tequila, lime juice, and triple sec—serves as a delightful companion to pupusas. The citrusy, salty tang of a margarita complements the cheesy, savory flavors of the pupusas beautifully. Whether you prefer it on the rocks or blended, with a salt or sugar rim, a margarita adds a festive touch to your meal. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel a bit fancier with a margarita in hand?
7. Aguas Frescas
These light, refreshing drinks come in a variety of flavors like watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Aguas frescas are typically made by blending fruit with water and a touch of sugar, then straining the mixture. They’re perfect for cooling down on a hot day and balancing out the rich flavors of pupusas. Plus, they make you feel like you’re making a healthy choice, even if you’re about to devour your third pupusa.
8. Coca-Cola
Sometimes, the classics are the best. The crisp, effervescent sweetness of an ice-cold Coca-Cola pairs perfectly with the savory, cheesy goodness of pupusas. The carbonation helps cleanse your palate between bites, making each taste as delightful as the first. And let’s face it, Coke has that nostalgic, comfort-food vibe that’s hard to beat.
9. Mojito
For a refreshing twist, pair your pupusas with a mojito. This cocktail, made with rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water, is light and invigorating. The mint and lime provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of pupusas, making it feel like you’re having a little tropical vacation with every sip and bite.
10. Tequila Sunrise
Bright and colorful, a Tequila Sunrise is not just a drink—it’s a visual delight. Made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, this cocktail is sweet and tangy, making it an excellent pairing for pupusas. The layers of color make it look like a beautiful sunset in a glass, and it’s almost as much fun to make as it is to drink.
11. Chicha
This traditional Latin American drink made from fermented corn has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with pupusas. Chicha can vary in taste and alcohol content depending on the region and preparation method, but it’s always a unique and culturally rich choice. Drinking chicha with your pupusas is like taking a little trip through history and tradition.
12. Iced Tea
A tall glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is a simple yet perfect complement to pupusas. Its mild flavor and refreshing quality help balance the rich, savory notes of the dish. You can even add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of peach syrup for an extra twist. It’s the drink equivalent of a good supporting actor—never steals the show, but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
13. Kolashampan
Kolashampan, the beloved Salvadoran soda, is a must-try when enjoying pupusas. This bright orange drink, with its unique fruity flavor reminiscent of cream soda, provides a perfect balance to the savory and cheesy goodness of pupusas. It’s sweet, effervescent, and delightfully refreshing, making each bite of your pupusa even more enjoyable. Plus, sipping on Kolashampan adds an authentic touch to your meal, connecting you to the vibrant food culture of El Salvador. It’s like a fizzy celebration in every sip!
Each of these drinks brings something unique to the table, enhancing the experience of eating pupusas in its own way. Whether you prefer the traditional flavors of tamarindo and horchata, the festive vibes of margaritas and sangria, or the simple refreshment of iced tea and agua de Jamaica, there’s a perfect drink to accompany your pupusas. Cheers to great food and even better company!
