A Taste of Xtabentún — The Ancient Mayan Elixir and the Modern Cocktail

Xtabentún’s (pronounced shta-ben-TOON) origins trace back to the ancient Maya, who fermented honey from the xtabentún flower to create balché, a ceremonial drink.

According to Mayan legend, the flower is tied to the tragic tale of X’tabay, a beautiful but deceitful woman, and her virtuous counterpart, Utz-Colel. The xtabentún flower is said to bloom where Utz-Colel was buried, symbolizing purity and sweetness.

Over time, Spanish colonization introduced anise and distillation techniques, transforming the traditional fermented honey drink into the liqueur we know today. While modern Xtabentún is commercially produced (with brands like D’Aristi popularizing it), some small-scale producers still make artisanal versions using ancestral methods.

Originally a sacred drink, Xtabentún transitioned into a popular aperitif and digestif in Yucatecan culture. While the core ingredients remain the same, modern production has standardized its flavor, making it more accessible. Some variations now include additional spices or aging processes in oak barrels for deeper complexity.

These days, Xtabentún is featured on the menus of restaurants and bars across the Peninsula, but is considered a little “fuddy-duddy” by most — which is not to say that it can’t work wonders in the hands of the right mixologist.

Xtabentún Cocktails and Mixed Drinks

Xtabentún is a sweet, aromatic liqueur with a distinctive anise flavor, reminiscent of licorice or absinthe but smoother and more honeyed. While delicious on its own, Xtabentún also shines in cocktails and mixed drinks, adding sweet, herbal complexity. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy it:

1. Xtabentún Coffee (Café Xtabentún)

A Yucatecan twist on Irish coffee, this warming drink combines:

• 1 oz Xtabentún
• Hot brewed coffee
• A splash of cream
• Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon

2. The Maya Martini

A sophisticated cocktail blending tradition with modern mixology:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz Xtabentún
• ½ oz lime juice
• Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass

3. Xtabentún Sunrise

A tropical, refreshing drink inspired by the Tequila Sunrise:

• 1 ½ oz Xtabentún
• 3 oz orange juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• Pour over ice, layering the grenadine at the bottom for a sunrise effect