Balché

Balché is an ancient Mayan drink that was mainly used as a ceremonial drink. It is made with the bark of balché tree (Lonchocarpus violaceus) and melipona honey—a specific type of honey that hails from Yucatán and comes from stingless bees.

The drink is prepared by soaking the bark in a mixture of water and honey and then leaving it to ferment for several days. Optionally, some spices can be added to the mix. This low alcoholic drink is mainly associated with Yucatan, and it is still used by Mayans during ceremonies and rituals.