What Is Chicha Morada? Peru's Purple Corn Drink, Explained

Chicha morada is a traditional Peruvian drink made by simmering purple corn (maíz morado) with fruit like pineapple and warm spices like cinnamon and clove, then finishing it with lime and a sweetener. It's non-alcoholic, served cold, and it's deep violet all on its own. In Peru it shows up everywhere: family tables, lunch spots, birthday parties, your abuela's fridge.

If you've never had it, here's the whole story in one place.

What is chicha morada made of?

The core is short and sweet: purple corn, fruit, spice, lime and a sweetener.

• Purple corn (maíz morado): an Andean corn with dark purple kernels and cobs. It's the base, and the reason for the color.
• Fruit: usually pineapple (often the peel goes right into the pot), and sometimes apple or quince.
• Warm spices: cinnamon sticks and cloves.
• Lime: squeezed in at the end for brightness.
• A sweetener: traditionally sugar. Every family has an opinion on how much.

Homemade versions are often served with little diced pieces of apple and pineapple floating on top.

What does chicha morada taste like?

Fruity, bright and lightly spiced. Think fruit punch's more interesting cousin: pineapple up front, a citrus lift from the lime, and a warm cinnamon-clove finish. It drinks clean and refreshing, closer to an agua fresca than a soda, and nothing like what most people expect when they hear "corn."

How is chicha morada made?

The traditional method is simple. It just takes time.

1. Simmer purple corn cobs and kernels in water with pineapple peel (and sometimes apple or quince peel), cinnamon and cloves until the liquid turns deep purple.
2. Let it cool, then strain out the corn, peels and spices.
3. Chill it. Right before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and sweeten to taste.
4. Serve cold, often with diced fruit.

That's the slow-simmered, all-afternoon version. Purple Drop is the cracked-open-in-two-seconds version.

Why is chicha morada purple?

The color comes from the purple corn itself. Purple corn is rich in anthocyanins, the naturally occurring pigments that also give color to plants like blueberries and red cabbage. No dye needed. Nature's doing the flex.

Is chicha morada alcoholic?

No. Chicha morada is non-alcoholic. The name causes some confusion because "chicha" also refers to chicha de jora, a fermented corn drink from the Andes that does contain alcohol. Chicha morada isn't fermented. It's a cold, spiced purple corn drink that kids and grandparents drink side by side.

Chicha morada vs. chicha de jora vs. mazamorra morada

• Chicha morada: non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, fruit and spices.
• Chicha de jora: a fermented, alcoholic drink made from malted yellow corn.
• Mazamorra morada: a purple corn pudding-style dessert, made with the same corn and often dried fruit.

When do people drink chicha morada?

Pretty much anytime, but especially with food. In Peru it's a classic lunch drink and a staple at family meals, celebrations and Sunday gatherings. It pairs naturally with Peruvian staples like ceviche and lomo saltado, and it's great on its own as an afternoon pick-me-up or a base for mocktails.

Is chicha morada healthy?

We'll let the label do the talking. Purple corn contains naturally occurring antioxidants, and a can of Purple Drop has:

• 90 calories per 8.4 fl oz can
• 17g total sugars, including 8g added sugars, sweetened with agave
• No artificial colors, no artificial preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup

Homemade and other bottled versions vary a lot depending on how much sugar goes in, so check the label.

Where can I buy chicha morada in the U.S.?

You've got three options:

1. Make it at home with dried purple corn from a Latin grocery store. Budget an afternoon.
2. Order it at a Peruvian restaurant. Most serve it by the glass or pitcher.
3. Grab a can of Purple Drop. It's chicha morada, ready to drink, made from a family recipe that started with our co-founder Roger's abuela in Peru. Order 6-packs online (we ship across the U.S.) or find a store or restaurant near you in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and beyond.

Chicha morada FAQs

How do you pronounce chicha morada?
CHEE-cha mo-RAH-da.

What does "chicha morada" mean?
"Chicha" is the name used across the Andes for a family of traditional corn drinks, and "morada" means purple in Spanish. So: purple corn drink.

Is chicha morada carbonated?
No. Traditional chicha morada is still, not fizzy, and so is Purple Drop.

Does chicha morada have caffeine?
Purple corn, fruit and spices don't contain caffeine, and Purple Drop's ingredients don't include any.

Can kids drink chicha morada?
Yes. It's non-alcoholic and a family-table classic in Peru.

Does chicha morada need to be refrigerated?
Homemade chicha morada should be kept in the fridge and enjoyed within a few days. Purple Drop cans are shelf-stable until opened. Just chill before drinking, because cold is the only correct temperature.

Try Purple Drop: chicha morada, ready when you are →