Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm, comforting traditional Guatemalan sweet corn drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for chilly mornings or dessert. This latin american-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes brings together (720ml) whole milk, (240ml) water, (100g) granulated sugar 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 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 2 cups fresh corn kernels with 1 cup water and blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pour the blended corn mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium saucepan, pressing to extract all liquid and some pulp.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1/4 tsp salt to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot corn mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until the drink thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  7. Step 7: Remove the cinnamon stick and ladle the warm atol de elote into mugs. Serve immediately for a creamy, sweet, and fragrant treat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover guatemalan atol de elote (sweet corn beverage) with cinnamon 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 Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon?

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 Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon 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.

Is Guatemalan Atol de Elote (Sweet Corn Beverage) with Cinnamon vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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