Chilean drinks offer a flavorful journey into the heart of the country’s culture, complementing its traditional Chilean dishes with a vibrant array of beverages.
From sweet and refreshing non-alcoholic favorites to bold and spirited cocktails, these drinks reflect the diversity of Chile’s geography and traditions.
Whether enjoyed during festive celebrations, summer gatherings, or alongside a hearty meal, each drink carries a unique story rooted in Chilean heritage.
In this guide, we’ll explore 9 of the most iconic Chilean drinks, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions that make them a beloved part of the country’s culinary identity.
Just want the recipes? Our Chilean drinks hub has a step-by-step recipe for every drink below.
1. Mote con Huesillo
Mote con Huesillo is a traditional Chilean drink made from wheat, flour, and peaches—typically sweet tasting and served cold.
Mote is a thick soup made with wheat, flour, and fat, usually chicken fat, and Huesillos are dried peaches from central Chile.
The ingredients are cooked together with sugar and cinnamon. After cooking, the mote is served with the peaches, which have been rehydrated in hot water.
A similar drink is called ”mote con piña,” which uses pineapple instead of peaches.
2. Chilean Chicha
The Chilean Chicha has become a well-known drink among Chileans and Chile-related tourists, and there are two types—Chicha de manzanas and Chicha de uvas.
Chilean Chicha is a traditional drink with fermented fruits, herbs, and spices, similar to cider.
It’s typically made by grinding maize with lime, salt, and chili peppers, with the addition of fruits. It’s then mixed with water to make a drink.
3. Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is one of the most popular drinks in Chile, especially during the summer months.
It has a tart but sweet-tasting flavor when mixed with lemon juice and sugar to make the Pisco Sour.
The South American drink is served in a stemmed glass with ice, garnished with lemon or lime.
Pisco is a clear brandy made from grapes produced in the vineyards of Peru and Chile.
It is often described as having a similar flavor to white grape juice but with a strong alcoholic taste.
4. Terremoto
It’s a sweet Chilean cocktail concoction made with wine, pineapple sorbet, and Fernet Branca liqueur, and it is sure to shake those tastebuds and your alcohol tolerance!
It’s only recommended you have no more than two or three of these drinks if you want to walk away on your own because it’s the kind of drink that creeps up on you!
This is one of Chile’s most iconic and extremely popular drinks, and it literally translates to “earthquake” in Spanish.
The Chilean drink was invented in the 1960s by the owner of a popular bar, Bar Bar, located in downtown Santiago.
The drink was created as a tribute to the devastating earthquake that hit the city on May 22, 1960. The earthquake claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people and left more than 100,000 homeless.
There is also another Chilean cocktail called ”Terremoto en el Cielo,” which has the same ingredients, but it’s served without ice and garnished with a slice of lemon.
It’s also known as ”Cocktail de María Isabel” or ”Cocktail de María José.”
5. Chilean Wines
Chile is known for its exceptional and award-winning wines that are made with grapes from some of the oldest vines in the world.
In the mid-1800s, a relentless pest known as phylloxera munched away at the roots of grapevines, causing fungal infections that quickly wiped out the crop.
This pest devastated major wine-producing vineyards—except in Chile!
Chile is home to traditional blends, crisp white wines, and some of the best-value reds in the world.
The country also boasts a number of distinctive grape varieties and styles that are often overlooked in favor of more popular grapes like Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon.
6. Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono, which translates into “monkey’s tail,” is a traditional Chilean holiday beverage.
It is most commonly served during Chile’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations paired with another cultural favorite, pan de Pascua, dense chilean fruit cake, similar to an American fruit cake.
The main ingredient in Cola de Mono is milk, heated up and infused with warm, delicious spices and flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and coffee.
The alcohol in Cola de Mono is traditionally Aguardiente or pisco.
It is often served before meals as an aperitif, but it is also the perfect drink to have after a big meal to replace coffee or tea.
7. Piscola
A piscola is a simple, classic mixed drink that people all over Chile know well.
This rum and coke-like beverage are refreshing enough for some casual day-drinking or a weeknight relaxation session, and it doesn’t take much skill to mix.
To make a Piscola, pour two shots of Pisco into a glass over ice, then top it off with some cola or another sweet soda beverage.
Enjoy it on any occasion, from casual to classy!
8. Chilean Sodas
Coca Cola has nothing on the local soft drinks.
Bilz and Pap are the most popular and highest selling domestically-produced sodas in Chile.
Pap and Bilz are authentic Chilean brands, with unique and original flavors of Chile.
9. Melvin
In the world of Chilean beverages, Melvin stands out as a quirky and fun addition that has gained popularity in recent years.
Melvin is a refreshing cocktail typically made with white wine, melon juice, and a touch of soda or sparkling water for effervescence.
Its bright and fruity flavor makes it a favorite during Chile’s warmer months, particularly at outdoor gatherings and barbecues.
Often served in tall glasses over ice, Melvin is a light and invigorating drink that perfectly captures the relaxed and celebratory spirit of Chilean summers.
Discover the Rich Flavors of Chilean Drinks
From the sweet and refreshing Mote con Huesillo to the bold and festive Terremoto, Chilean drinks offer a diverse and flavorful experience that complements the country’s renowned traditional Chilean dishes.
These beverages not only highlight Chile’s rich culinary traditions but also provide a unique way to connect with its culture, history, and celebrations.
Whether you’re sipping on a glass of world-famous Chilean wine or trying a homemade Cola de Mono during the holidays, each drink tells a story that’s as vibrant as the landscapes of this South American gem.
Dive into Chile’s drink culture and discover your new favorite beverage today!
Sources
- Wikipedia: Chicha
- Chile Today: The Terremoto Cocktail – an earthquake personified
- UC IPM: Grape Phylloxera / Grape / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.