Champurrado (beverage)

Champurrado is a chocolate-based atole, a warm and thick Mexican drink, based on masa harina (hominy flour), piloncillo, water or milk and occasionally containing anise seed and or vanilla bean (tasting somewhat like a thick chai tea). Atole drinks are whipped up using a wooden whisk called a molinillo (moh-lee-nee-oh) (or, a blender). The whisk is held between the palms of the hands, then moved back and forth in the mixture until it is aerated and frothy.

Traditionally served with churros in the morning as a simple breakfast or as a late afternoon snack, Champurrado is also very popular during Dia de los Muertos and at Christmas time posadas where it is served alongside tamales. An instant mix for champurrado is available in Mexican grocery stores. Champurrado may also be made with alcohol to form an intoxicating beverage.

This is a very traditional drink and some people, rather than vanilla bean, add cinnamon sticks for a sharper and richer taste