Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink)
A comforting warm Guatemalan beverage made from fresh corn, milk, and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy treat. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes brings together (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels, whole milk, water for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 1 cup water. Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour the blended corn mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium saucepan, pressing with a spatula to extract maximum liquid and discard solids.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1/4 tsp salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer (about 5-7 minutes).
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the drink thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Discard the cinnamon stick before serving.
- Step 7: Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a light dusting of ground cinnamon if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink) take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink)?
Refrigerate any leftover cinnamon-spiced guatemalan atol de elote (sweet corn drink) in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink)?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Drink)?
Latin American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
