Local Life
What Is Pox (Posh)? Chiapas’ Traditional Highland Spirit
Pox — pronounced “posh” — is a traditional distilled spirit from the Chiapas highlands. Government and state-tourism sources describe it as a maize-based drink with deep ceremonial and community significance among Maya communities of Los Altos. Modern versions may also be infused or macerated with herbs and fruit.
Published
Pox is pronounced “posh.” It is a traditional distilled spirit associated with the Maya communities of the Los Altos de Chiapas region around San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Quick answer
Name: pox, pronounced “posh”
What it is: a traditional highland distilled spirit
Core ingredient: maize is central; official descriptions also mention sugar cane/piloncillo and other ingredients depending on preparation
Cultural role: historically used in ceremonies, prayers and community rituals
Modern versions: may be natural/clear or flavored with herbs and seasonal fruit
Pox is alcoholic. Traditional descriptions of healing or spiritual use are cultural beliefs and practices, not medical claims.
Last verified: August 24, 2026.
Where does pox come from?
Mexico’s Secretaría de Agricultura describes pox as an artisanal distillate prepared by communities descended from the Maya in Los Altos de Chiapas.
Visit Chiapas likewise describes posh as strongly rooted in highland communities and connected to ceremonial and ritual traditions.
San Cristóbal is therefore one of the easiest places for visitors to encounter commercial versions of a drink whose cultural context extends into surrounding Indigenous communities.
What is pox made from?
There is no single commercial recipe that represents every producer.
Federal government information describes ingredients that can include:
- spring water;
- sugar cane;
- maize;
- piloncillo;
- wheat bran.
Visit Chiapas emphasizes maize as the common cultural base and notes that family and artisanal recipes vary.
Modern versions can also include herbs or macerated fruits such as peach, blackberry or other seasonal ingredients.
Is pox always clear?
Traditional/natural pox is commonly clear. Versions infused or macerated with herbs and fruit can have different colors, aromas and sweetness.
Do not assume a fruit-flavored commercial bottle represents the only traditional form of the drink.
What does “posh” mean?
Spanish-language sources commonly write the drink as pox and clarify that it is pronounced posh.
You may see both spellings on travel pages, menus and commercial brands.
Why is pox culturally important?
Government sources describe pox as more than a recreational alcoholic drink. It has historically been used in prayers, healing ceremonies and community rituals among Maya peoples of Chiapas.
That cultural role should be treated respectfully. A cocktail-bar tasting in San Cristóbal is not the same thing as participating in a community ritual.
Is pox a medicine?
Official cultural descriptions record traditional beliefs about healing and spiritual use.
SanCrisGo does not present those beliefs as evidence that drinking pox treats disease or provides a medical benefit. It is an alcoholic beverage.
How strong is pox?
Alcohol content varies by producer and product.
For example, the Chiapas government artisan shop currently lists one fruit-macerated posh product at 17% ABV, but that is one commercial product and should not be treated as the universal strength of pox.
Check the label of the bottle or serving you actually buy.
Where can you find pox in San Cristóbal?
For a dedicated pox-focused stop, Posheria operates a bar and shop on Real de Guadalupe; its official site currently identifies the San Cristóbal location and publishes current opening hours.
Casa de las Artesanías de Chiapas is a state-supported crafts shop in the center. Its government online store is also the source for the specific commercial posh example cited above.
For broader local shopping context, see:
FAQ
Is pox the same as mezcal?
No. Pox is a distinct Chiapas highland spirit with its own ingredients and cultural history. It should not be described simply as a type of mezcal.
How do you pronounce pox?
Posh.
Is pox made from corn?
Maize is central to official descriptions of the drink. Recipes can also include piloncillo, sugar cane and other ingredients.
Is every pox flavored?
No. Natural pox can be clear, while modern commercial versions may be infused or macerated with herbs or fruit.
Sources
- Secretaría de Agricultura — Pox, la bebida que alegra el corazón
- Visit Chiapas — Tres bebidas con el espíritu de Chiapas
- Casa de las Artesanías de Chiapas — current commercial posh example
- Posheria — official San Cristóbal location
Last verified: August 24, 2026.