Sour Aztec: Mexico Agave Drink Called Pulque Has Hipsters Buzzing

Mexico's Aztec-inspired sour agave drink, known as pulque, has become increasingly popular among the nation's hipsters, who in recent years have re-popularized the fermented, somewhat slimy green beverage that was once associated only with older generations.

Describing it as "Mexico’s ancient soul," GlobalPost.com writes that in some of Mexico City's most hip venues, where the only thing more prevalent than piercings on a patron's body is their tattoos, pulque has had a resurgence.

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David Bravo, a longtime bartender at the 102-year-old Mexico City bar Duelistas told the Global Post that the patrons who order pulque these days are "all kids."

"Of every hundred people who come in now perhaps two or three are older," Bravo added, referring to those that frequent the bar for its pulque.

In addition to its unique cultural allure and distinct taste and texture, pulque is said to be less expensive than beer. A case of Duelistas costs just $1.65 per pint, and it usually gives the consumer a buzz or gets them heavily intoxicated depending on their tolerance level, the Global Post reported.

"This is my roots, like 1,500 years ago someone was feeling exactly like I do right now," a 33-year-old named Matute, told the Global Post as he downed his fourth or fifth glass. "The pulque has me."

The pulque is reportedly distilled in the same manner as tequila and mescal, and was used in celebrations and religious ceremonies by the Aztecs. In addition to its natural pulque flavor, it is said to be frequently mixed with strawberry, celery, and even oatmeal.

Not everyone, however, is happy with the way in which pulque has made a comeback.

"They treat pulque like a fad," 46-year-old bartender Melly Leyva told the Global Post. "They don’t value it as part of our culture, our traditions. They don’t know their history."

"These kids are just drinking," Leyva added.

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