Mayan Atole Recipe

Mayan Atole is a warm winter drink with a long history. It’s a simple beverage, and is best made with Yucateccan ingredients, such as Mexican cinnamon (Amazon), and piloncillo! If you can’t find these items at your local store, we have listed some alternatives that we used, and they turned out delicious! 🙂

We love making Atole when we make tamales. We use some of the masa to make the tamales for the Atole. When I was a kid, making tamales with my mom, she would use some of the freshly ground corn (rather than bought masa), to make Atole for everyone helping with the tamales. Fresh ground corn is naturally milky and very sweet. Cooking it further enhances the sweetness. It’s served hot. Atole tends to hold more heat than you might think so be cautious as you take that first delicious sip. 

This YouTube calls this “Mexican” atole. The Mayan Empire spanned Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. So really this is a Mayan beverage. We prefer to dress our atole in cinnamon and sugar.

Experience the warmth and comfort of traditional Mexican Atole with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for chilly mornings or cozy evenings, Atole is a delightful corn-based drink that combines the richness of masa harina with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and Mexican Vanilla (Amazon). Whether you’re familiar with this comforting beverage or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises a deliciously thick and satisfying experience that’s both heartwarming and nourishing.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Serves 3-4

Mayan Atole Ingredients:

• Masa Harina: 1/2 cup (Preferably Maseca brand for authenticity (Amazon)
• Water: 3 cups
• Milk: 1 cup
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (Dark variety recommended; adjust to taste)
• Cinnamon: 3 sticks or 1-2 teaspoons ground (for a burst of warmth)
• Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Masa Harina: Begin by warming a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toast the masa harina lightly for a nuttier flavor. Alternatively, you can use a comal if you have one.
2. Whisk in Water: Gradually add the water to the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. This step ensures a smooth texture for your Atole.
3. Combine Additional Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the milk, followed by the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuously whisking. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness. Atole is traditionally thick yet pourable.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once ready, whisk vigorously to create a light foam on the surface, adding an extra touch of delight to your Atole. Ladle the beverage into mugs and serve warm for an immediate soothing effect.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Atole, a drink that’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough to be customized according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re starting your day with a warm mug or winding down in the evening, this Atole recipe is sure to bring a taste of Mexican tradition right into your home.