The 7 Best Drinks to Serve with Pupusas (With Easy Recipes!)

Pupusas are a celebration of flavor—savory, cheesy, crispy, and comforting. But what do you wash them down with? Whether you’re eating one at a street corner in San Salvador or at home in New York, the right drink elevates the experience and balances the richness of the masa and fillings.

Here are the 7 best drinks to serve with pupusas, complete with simple recipes to make them at home. From traditional Salvadoran beverages to modern fusion sips, these drinks are perfect companions for the queen of the comal. 🫓💕

1. Horchata de Morro (Traditional Salvadoran Horchata) 🌰🥛

Not to be confused with the Mexican version, Salvadoran horchata is made with morro seeds and a mix of spices and nuts.

Why it works:

It’s nutty, spiced, and refreshing—balancing the heat from curtido and the saltiness of the pupusa.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup horchata morro seed mix (from a Latin market)
• 4 cups cold water
• ½ cup milk (or almond milk)
• 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Blend the morro seed mix with water and milk.
2. Strain well through a fine mesh sieve.
3. Add sugar and stir.
4. Serve over ice.

🧊 Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flair.

2. Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarind Juice) 🍹🌳

Tangy, slightly sweet, and tropical—agua de tamarindo cuts through heavy fillings like chicharrón beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 200g tamarind pods (or ½ cup tamarind paste)
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup sugar (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Soak tamarind pods in warm water for 1 hour.
2. Remove seeds and blend with water.
3. Strain and add sugar.
4. Chill and serve over ice.

🔥 Bonus: Add a chili-lime rim for a spicy twist!

3. Ensalada de Frutas (Salvadoran Fruit Punch) 🍎🍍🍊

This iconic Salvadoran drink is a party in a pitcher—a sweet mix of fruit juice and chopped fresh fruits.

Why it works:

It’s light, fruity, and refreshing—a perfect match for the salty and crispy pupusa.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups pineapple juice
• 1½ cups orange juice
• ½ cup apple juice
• 1 chopped apple
• ½ cup diced pineapple
• 1 banana (sliced)
• 1 cup club soda (optional for fizz)

Instructions:

1. Mix juices and chopped fruits in a pitcher.
2. Let chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Serve cold, with spoon if desired.

🍹 Optional: splash of Sprite or soda water for bubbly magic.

4. Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink) 🌽☕

Perfect for breakfast or cool evenings, this thick and creamy drink is comfort in a cup—like a warm hug to match your pupusa.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2½ cups milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend corn with milk until smooth.
2. Strain and pour into saucepan.
3. Add sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
4. Simmer on low heat until thickened (about 10–15 mins).
5. Serve warm.

🥄 Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning.

5. Cold Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica) 🌺❄️

Tart, vibrant, and refreshing—agua de jamaica is like a Salvadoran iced tea.

Why it works:

The tartness cleanses your palate between bites of gooey cheese or rich pork.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried hibiscus petals
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup sugar
• Lime slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil hibiscus petals in water for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and discard petals.
3. Add sugar and stir.
4. Chill and serve with ice and lime.

🍋 Optional: Add ginger for a spicy twist.

6. Michelada Salvadoreña 🍺🌶️

A Salvadoran-style michelada is bold and fizzy, perfect for weekend pupusa feasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of light beer (Pilsener or Suprema works great)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• Tajín or chili salt for the rim

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with lime and Tajín.
2. Mix lime juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce in the glass.
3. Pour in the beer.
4. Stir gently and enjoy.

🧊 Serve cold with a slice of lime.

7. Café con Leche (Strong Coffee with Milk) ☕🫶

Ideal for breakfast pupusas or sweet versions like plantain and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• ½ cup steamed milk
• Sugar to taste
• Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee (French press or moka pot preferred).
2. Steam or heat milk gently.
3. Combine, sweeten, and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

✨ Bonus: Try it iced for a refreshing twist!

Summary

Pupusas shine even brighter when paired with the right drink. Whether you prefer the tang of tamarindo, the warmth of atol, or the festive fizz of ensalada, these beverages balance the richness of pupusas and celebrate Salvadoran culture from sip to bite.

Here’s your cheat sheet: