molinillo

Molinillo is a Spanish noun meaning “little mill” and derives from molino. The term applies to several objects and uses, depending on region. The most common senses are: a traditional kitchen utensil used to froth beverages, especially hot chocolate or cacao-based drinks in Mexico and parts of Central America; the molinillo is typically a handheld wooden rod with a spiral or braided whisk at the end, which is rolled between the palms to produce foam. In culinary history, the molinillo is associated with pre-Hispanic chocolate preparation and early colonial cacao drinks, and remains a symbol of traditional Mexican gastronomy; it is often decorated with carved motifs or colored wood.

Secondly, molinillo can refer to a toy pinwheel, a wheel with blades that spins when blown or turned, commonly made of paper or plastic and attached to a rod. In some contexts, the term may refer to a small windmill or wind turbine, though this usage is less common.

In addition, the word appears in toponyms and surnames in Spanish-speaking regions, where it may denote a location or family name connected to mills or milling activities. The term thus encompasses culinary implements, games, and geographical or onomastic uses, reflecting its broad etymological roots in the concept of a mill.