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Tascalate (Chiapas Cacao Corn Drink)

Name: Tascalate (Chiapas Cacao Corn Drink)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Annatto paste; 4 tbsp Sugar; 50 g Cacao beans; 1 raja Cinnamon; 4 Corn tortillas

4.0(1 rating)

25 min (15 prep + 10 cook) Easy 4 servings Chiapas

Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 24 Mar 2026 · Updated: 22 Jun 2026

Chiapas drink of toasted corn, cacao and annatto with vibrant red-orange colour.

About this recipe

Refreshing Chiapas drink made with toasted corn, cacao, annatto, cinnamon and sugar. Vibrant red-orange colour.

History & Origin

Tascalate is an emblematic Chiapas beverage with pre-Hispanic Maya and Zoque roots. Its name comes from Nahuatl "tlaxcalli" (tortilla) and "atl" (water). It is distinguished by its red-orange colour from annatto. Preparation requires toasting corn tortillas, grinding them with toasted cacao, annatto, cinnamon and pine nuts until a fine terracotta powder is obtained. It is dissolved in cold water or milk. In Chiapas markets, tascalate is sold as powder or ready-to-drink. It is especially popular during hot months.

Estimated cost

£4.52

Total cost

£1.13

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

160

Calories

Protein

28g

Carbohydrates

Fat

Fibre

15mg

Sodium

* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.

Method

1
Toast 4 corn tortillas on a griddle until completely dry and crispy.
💡 They must be thoroughly dry for proper grinding.
2
Toast 50g cacao beans stirring constantly for 5-8 minutes. Briefly toast 1 cinnamon stick.
3
Grind the toasted tortillas, cacao, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons annatto paste and 4 tablespoons sugar to a fine powder.
💡 If grainy, sieve and regrind.
4
Dissolve 3-4 tablespoons of powder in 300ml cold water or milk. Mix vigorously. Adjust sweetness.
💡 Milk gives creamier texture; water is more refreshing.
5
Serve well chilled with ice. Leftover powder keeps in an airtight jar for up to 1 month.

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A Guide to Mexican Drinks: From Horchata to Mezcal in the UK

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Edmond Bojalil

Founder, Recetas Mexas

Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.