Mexican Drinks and Desserts

Published May 1, 2011 8:00 AM

The prickly pear cactus thrives in the deserts of the American Southwest; its bulbous red fruit is prized for many Mexican and Tex-Mex preparations. This legendary margarita, which takes its distinctive flavor from the fruit, comes from bartender Ruben Bernal at Las Canarias restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. André Baranowski

Titillate your palette with a fruity sangria, tangy margarita, or spicy Mexican chocolate.

Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies

At brunch at the Liberty Bar in San Antonio, a plate of these spicy-sweet cookies is set down on the table at the beginning of the meal—gratis. Featured in our book Best Cookies, they make a perfect cookie for holiday parties, especially when drizzled with a little melted white chocolate.

Churros (Mexican Cinnamon Fritters)

These fluted, spiced doughnuts are a favorite snack, no matter the occasion

If You’re Already A Rice Pudding Expert, You’ve Got To Try Rice Pudding Ice Pops

Rice Pudding Ice Pops (Paletas de Arroz con Leche)

Galletas con Chochitos (Mexican Butter Cookies with Sprinkles)

These popular Mexican butter cookies are typically decorated with chocolate sprinkles. See the recipe for Mexican Butter Cookies with Sprinkles »

Horchata Blanca (White Rice Drink)

Creamy and sweet, this recipe is a far cry from traditional horchata—his is almost like a dessert, and equally good served hot or cold.

Classic Margarita

This recipe proves that simple can be delicious. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila. Get the recipe for a Classic Margarita »

Frozen Margarita

Aunt Renee’s Gelatin Mold

A flip through any cookbook from the early or mid-20th century will reveal a bevy of shimmering, molded gelatin treats like this one, made with peaches and cream cheese.

Michelada Bloody Mary

Chef Rick Bayless suggested this recipe for a bloody mary made with beer, citrus, and tequila.

Strawberries and Cream Ice Pops (Paletas de Fresas y Crema)

The flavor of ripe summer strawberries is front and center in these creamy treats, which are brightened with just a touch of fresh lemon juice. Get the recipe for Strawberries and Cream Ice Pops (Paletas de Fresas y Crema) »

Mexican Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente)

The best early morning breakfast to be found on the street of any Mexican city is a nice hot cup of chocolate caliente with some churros, sweet tamales, or fresh-baked sweet goods from a bakery. Made from just chocolate and milk or water, it’s a simple, rich drink. Get the recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente) »

Horchata with Chocolate and Pumpkin Seeds

Horchata, a cool, creamy drink popular across Latin America, is frequently made from ground almonds and rice. This decadent adaptation, spiked with cinnamon and dark chocolate, tastes rich and nutty and makes a delightful liquid dessert.