Nicaraguan Drinks: From Cacao to Macuá

To wash down all this delicious food, Nicaragua offers a variety of unique beverages, many of them corn or fruit-based.

Fresco de Cacao

This is not chocolate milk. It is made from toasted cacao beans, ground with rice and cinnamon, then mixed with milk and sugar. It is rich, nutty, and refreshing.

Pinolillo

The national drink, Pinolillo is a powder made from toasted corn and cacao. Mixed with water or milk, it has a gritty texture and a deep, toasted flavor. It is an acquired taste for some, but beloved by locals.

Macuá: The National Drink

In 2006, a competition was held to name Nicaragua’s national cocktail. The winner was the Macuá, a blend of white rum and guava juice, served over ice. It is sweet, fruity, and perfect for a hot tropical day.