Hot bowl of
champurrado as served at a Mexican breakfast
Champurrado is a chocolate-based atole, a warm and thick
Mexican drink, based on masa (hominy flour), piloncillo, water or milk and
occasionally containing cinnamon, anise seed and or vanilla bean (tasting
somewhat like a thick
masala chai).
Atole drinks are whipped up using a
wooden whisk called a molinillo (or, a blender). The whisk is rolled between the
palms of the hands, then moved back and forth in the mixture until it is aerated
and frothy.
Champurrado is traditionally served with churros ("Spanish doughnuts") in the morning as a simple
breakfast or as a late afternoon snack. Champurrado is also very popular during
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and at Las Posadas (The Christmas Season)
where it is served alongside tamales. An instant mix for champurrado is
available in Mexican grocery stores. Champurrado may also be made with alcohol.