Tesguino

Tesguino (tesgüino) is a type of beer made from malted corn that originated among the Tarahumara, a tribe from the Sierra Madre valleys in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The beer is made by soaking and then mashing corn kernels. The mash is boiled with water for several hours and then shortly fermented together with herbs, roots, or barks, which help ferment.

The drink is strained and should be enjoyed immediately. It does not have a long shelf life, and it tends to go bad relatively fast. Tesguino is a vital part of everyday life among the Tarahumara. It is a staple on every celebration and special occasion.

It is also tied to religious and ceremonial practices and has a status of a God-given elixir. Any social gathering that involves tesguino is usually referred to as tesguinada. At these gatherings, the beer is served from a gourd that is passed around among the people.