A refreshing drink of fermented corn is common on the streets of Mexico, but a rare find locally.

Tejuino, a beverage that uses masa (corn flour) as its key ingredient, is so deeply rooted in Mexican culture that it has been granted sacred status by several indigenous tribes.

Take that, Bud Light.

This historical drink (that’s the tejuino, not Bud Light), however, is hard to come by locally, despite a large Latino population. Guadalajara Nieves y Cafes is the only place I’ve found tejuino in Monterey County.

The tejuinos ($3.50-$5) deliver the same delight as their authentic Mexican counterpart. The combination of flavors mingles with the drink’s silky consistency, very similar to a cold version of atole. The profile is further complemented by tangy lime pulp and grains of sea salt.

For comparison, journey south and walk past tejuino vendors at a Saturday street market in Guadalajara – it’s well worth a trip. Either way – here or there – the drink is salvation on a scorching city day. A sip delivers a few of those fundamental flavors of Mexican candies: initial sweetness, sour citrus and hints of salt.

GUADALAJARA NIVES y CAFES 632 Williams Road, Salinas. 740-9017, tejuinosydiablitos.com