champurrado

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican beverage that belongs to the family of atole, a warm, thick drink made from masa harina (corn dough flour). It blends masa harina with milk or water, melted chocolate, cinnamon, and a sweetener to create a rich, chocolatey drink.

Preparation typically involves whisking masa harina with a portion of liquid to form a slurry, then heating it with the remaining liquid, chocolate, and cinnamon until the mixture thickens. Sugar or piloncillo is added to taste, and the drink is often simmered briefly to blend flavors. Some recipes strain the mixture to remove lumps.

Common variants use more milk for a creamier texture or more water for a lighter version; some include vanilla or traditional Mexican chocolate disks or pellets rather than processed chocolate bars.

Champurrado is widely associated with Mexican and Central American cuisine. It is commonly enjoyed hot, especially at breakfast, during evening gatherings, or holidays such as Christmas and Dia de los Muertos. It is frequently served with tamales, churros, or other pastries.

Care should be taken to simmer slowly to prevent sticking, as the masa-thickened base can gel and clump if overheated.