Victor Hugo Padilla Jimenez

What role do drinks play in Day of the Dead rituals and offerings?

Listen Now

0:00

0m 00s left

– 0:00

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — but for the dead? It's through a sweet sip of home. On Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, food and drink aren’t just snacks and sips — they’re sacred messages in a bottle. And guess what? Grandma’s favorite cocoa or Uncle Chuy’s tamarindo soda just might be the reason they swing by your altar this year.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why are drinks part of Day of the Dead rituals and ofrendas (offerings)?” here’s the juicy truth: Drinks play a powerful role in welcoming spirits back home. They aren’t just placed on altars for fun — they’re chosen carefully to honor the tastes and stories of loved ones who’ve passed on.

The Sip That Brings Spirits Back

On the Day of the Dead, drinks are more than hydration — they’re memories in liquid form. Families place favorite beverages of their loved ones on the ofrenda to invite their spirits back. If your tía loved her café de olla with extra cinnamon, you better believe it’s going front and center. These drinks show the spirits that they are remembered — and still very much loved.

Thirsty from the Journey

According to tradition, spirits travel long distances to visit the living during Día de los Muertos. Imagine walking all the way from the afterlife! Drinks on the altar help quench that cosmic thirst. It’s like offering your guests a glass of water after a road trip — only this one spans two worlds.

Sweet, Strong, and Symbolic

From warm atole and spicy hot chocolate to shots of tequila or mezcal, each drink has meaning. Sweet drinks like champurrado bring comfort. Alcoholic drinks toast the good times and honor the party spirit of someone who knew how to live it up. Even a humble soda can say, “I remember you just the way you were.”

It’s All About Personal Touch

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to Day of the Dead drinks. What matters most is what the person loved. Maybe your grandpa always had a bottle of cola with his tacos, or your cousin loved agua de jamaica. Adding that special drink to their altar is like saying, “We see you. We remember you.”

A Toast to Tradition

Day of the Dead is a celebration — not a mourning. And like any good party, drinks are a must! Sharing your loved one’s favorite drink with others can be a touching way to tell stories, laugh, and keep their spirit alive in every cup.

So whether you’re pouring coffee, cider, or a cold cerveza, know this: Every drink you offer is a warm hug across time — a simple, beautiful way to say, “Salud, we miss you, and we’re glad you came.”