Pinolillo is a sweet cornmeal and cacao-based traditional drink in Nicaragua. It is made of ground toasted corn and a small amount of cacao. It can be mixed with water or soy milk, and served sweetened or unsweetened. If unsweetened, it is rather bitter. The drink usually has a rough, gritty texture.
 | |
| Type | Chocolate beverage |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Nicaragua |
| Ingredients | Cornmeal, cacao |
The name comes from pinole, a toasted and ground form of maize that is its main ingredient.
It is traditionally served out of a gourd made of the shell of the jicaro fruit. Decorative gourds are also made for purchase by tourists as souvenirs; such decorations are rarely found in the homes of native Nicaraguans.
Pinolillo and Nicaraguan culture
Consumption of pinolillo is so widespread and traditional that the substance has become one of many symbols of Nicaraguan culture. Nicaraguans often refer to themselves as "Pinoleros", either jokingly or with pride. The patriotic phrase "Soy puro Pinolero, ¡Nicaragüense por gracia de Dios!" (I'm a pure Pinolero, Nicaraguan by the grace of God!) has been frequently used by Nicaraguans. The phrase comes from the patriotic song Nicaragua Mía by Tino López Guerra, which has been covered several times. The popular saying is often used by the Nicaraguan president, in his speeches.[1]
