Are you longing for something sour, refreshing, and inherently satisfying? Enter Tejuino recipe — a fermented drink made out of corn native to Mexico-like sunshine in a glass! Tejuino, with its spicy tingle and slight sugary chill, is a favourite street drink — now easily replicated at home with minimal ingredients. It’s one of those old-timey recipes passed down through the generations, and delicious.
The best part? Making your own Tejuino at home is way easier than you might have imagined. With a low ingredient count, no special equipment and a little patience, you can make a drink that tastes like a celebration of culture and flavour in every glass.
Fun fact: In Mexico, snack vendors sell Tejuino from carts with enormous barrels and ladles, served with a scoop of lime sorbet or a splash of lime juice. It ain’t just a drink — it’s an experience! If you loved our Horchata de Arroz or our Agua de Jamaica recipes, you will LOVE Tejuino.
Ready to dive in? Let’s bring a taste of Mexico right to your home!

Table of Contents
What is Tejuino Recipe?
Tejuino (pronounced the-WEE-no) might sound like the set of magic words that open the fairy door, and in a sense, it sort of is — a potion of fermented corn, piloncillo (Mexican unrefined sugar) and lime. But why the name Tejuino? No one knows, but suffice it to say it’s as merry-sounding as the drink tastes!
This classic recipe is from West Mexico, especially Jalisco. Some call it a libation “fit for the gods,” others simply, “The best thing to happen to corn since tortillas.” One thing is for sure — it seems so that the way to a man’s (or a woman’s) heart is through their stomach.
So why not whip up a batch and impress your friends or your abuela?

Why You’ll Love This Tejuino Recipe
1. Real Taste Without the Street Cart You enjoy that authentic Mexican street flavour — delicious, tangy, earthy, sweet — right in your kitchen.
2. The price is right for wallet-friendly Goodness : With nothing but corn flour, piloncillo, and lime. No fancy ingredients are needed!
3. Customizable Flavors: Top it with lime juice, a pinch of salt, or even a scoop of lime sorbet for a frosty variation.
Are you a fan of classic Mexican beverages? “Don’t miss our Tamarindo Agua Fresca — it’s the sweet and sour cousin of Tejuino!
Ready to try this flavorful, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy drink?
How to Make Tejuino Recipe
Quick Overview
Tejuino is easy to make; you just have to be a little patient during fermentation — a light one. The flavour payoff? Worth it. Consider it kombucha’s Mexican cousin: tangy, naturally sweet, and ice-cold refreshing. Preparation takes 10 minutes, followed by 1–2 days of fermentation.
Key Ingredients for Tejuino Recipe:


- 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 4 cups water, divided
- 1 cone piloncillo or 3/4 cup brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Crushed ice for serving
- Optional: Lime sorbet or extra lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the corn base: In a saucepan, mix masa harina with 2 cups of warm water until smooth.
- Cook it down: Place the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Sweeten and dissolve: Add chopped piloncillo or brown sugar into the warm mixture with the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Ferment: Pour mixture into a large glass jar. Cover loosely with cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
- Serve: Stir in lime juice, chill, and serve over crushed ice with a pinch of salt or a scoop of lime sorbet.

What to Serve Tejuino Recipe With:
- Street tacos (especially al pastor or carnitas)
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
- Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa verde
- Tamales or empanadas
Pair it with bold flavors and spicy dishes — Tejuino cools you down just right!
Top Tips for Perfecting Tejuino Recipe
- No masa harina? Try boiling fresh corn and blending it.
- Don’t over-ferment — more than 2 days might turn the flavor too sour.
- Want it non-alcoholic? Only ferment for 12–24 hours to avoid alcohol development.
- Add fizz: A splash of sparkling water gives it a refreshing kick!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 5 days.
- Avoid reheating — Tejuino is served cold!
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the lime content, but you can freeze as ice cubes for fun serving.

Health Benefits of Tejuino Recipe (Table)
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Probiotic potential | Light fermentation helps gut health |
Low in fat | Naturally light and hydrating |
Vegan & dairy-free | Perfect for plant-based diets |
High in calcium | Masa harina is a good source |
Immune boost | Thanks to fresh lime juice |
Tejuino Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Make It at Home
Course: BeverageCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes120
kcalTejuino is a traditional Mexican fermented corn drink with a tangy-sweet taste, made from masa, piloncillo, lime, and a pinch of salt. It’s naturally refreshing and perfect for warm weather!
Ingredients
1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
4 cups water, divided
1 cone piloncillo or 3/4 cup brown sugar
Juice of 2 limes
Pinch of salt (optional)
Crushed ice for serving
Optional: Lime sorbet or extra lime wedges
Directions
- Make the corn base: In a saucepan, mix masa harina with 2 cups of warm water until smooth.
- Cook it down: Place the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Sweeten and dissolve: Add chopped piloncillo or brown sugar into the warm mixture with the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Ferment: Pour mixture into a large glass jar. Cover loosely with cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
- Serve: Stir in lime juice, chill, and serve over crushed ice with a pinch of salt or a scoop of lime sorbet.
Notes
- Can be made alcohol-free by shortening fermentation to 24 hours.
Best served chilled with a scoop of lime sorbet or shaved ice.
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Conclusion :
el tejuino is more than a drink — a party in a glass. Whether you were raised on it on a hot afternoon in Jalisco or ordered it online and took a gamble, this fermented corn drink is a gorgeous meeting of tradition and taste. The Tejuino mix recipe is super easy, cheap, and always refreshing.
And don’t fear — you can make it alcohol-free by shortening the fermentation time to 12–24 hours. So you can have all the taste with no buzz. Great for the kids, family parties, or a refreshing summer treat.
So what are you waiting for? Take a tequila, two limes, a bit of masa and welcome a small part of Mexico into your glass!
FAQs : Tejuino Recipe
What is Tejuino?
Tejuino is a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented corn dough. It has a tangy, refreshing taste and a slightly creamy texture. Often served cold, it’s topped with lime juice and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Does Tejuino contain alcohol?
Tejuino is usually non-alcoholic. While it goes through a light fermentation process, the alcohol content is minimal and not strong enough to classify it as an alcoholic beverage.
What are the traditional ingredients of Tejuino?
The main ingredients of Tejuino are corn masa (corn dough), piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar), lime juice, and sometimes a bit of salt or tamarind for extra zest.
Can I make Tejuino at home?
Absolutely! Tejuino is easy to make at home with a few ingredients and a short fermentation period. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for summer refreshment.
Is Tejuino good for digestion?
Thanks to its natural fermentation and the use of lime juice, Tejuino is believed to support digestive health in a gentle and natural way.
[…] Tejuino Recipe […]
[…] Tejuino Recipe […]
[…] Tejuino Recipe […]