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Tejuino (Fermented Corn Drink)
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Tejuino (Fermented Corn Drink)

50 min (20 prep + 30 cook) Easy 6 servings Jalisco
Edmond Bojalil
Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 10 Feb 2026 · Updated: 10 Mar 2026
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A fermented corn drink from Jalisco served with lime sorbet and salt.

About this recipe

Tejuino is a fermented corn drink typical of Jalisco, served with lime sorbet, fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. It's refreshing, slightly tart and sweet. You'll find it sold from street carts all around the Guadalajara area.

History & Origin

Tejuino is a ceremonial drink of pre-Hispanic origin that the Huichol people (Wixárikas) of western Mexico prepared as an offering to the gods of maize. Its natural fermentation produces a low alcohol content (1–2%), which technically makes it a sweetcorn beer. Street vendors selling tejuino are an icon of Guadalajara, where they serve the drink with a scoop of lime sorbet that gradually melts as you drink. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and cold in a single glass is a truly unique sensory experience.

Estimated cost

£9.89

Total cost

£1.65

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

179

Calories

2g

Protein

26g

Carbohydrates

4.5g

Fat

2g

Fibre

45mg

Sodium

* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.

Method

  1. 1

    Disuelve la corn dough (corn dough (masa)) en 2 litres de water, mezclando well for that no queden grumos. Cuela si es necesario.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the piloncillo dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.

  3. 3

    Retira of the heat y deja enfriar completamente. Refrigera.

  4. 4

    For a fermentación auténtica (opcional), deja el tejuino a temperatura ambiente 24-48 hours cubierto with un trapo. Se volverá ligeramente ácido y efervescente.

    💡 Puedes saltarte la fermentación si prefieres; muchos tejuinos comerciales se sirven without fermentar.

  5. 5

    Sirve en vasos with hielo, lime juice, a pizca de salt gruesa y a bola de nieve de lime flotando encima.

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