Charamuscas, also called topogigio in El Salvador, are a kind of soft drink made from fruit or milk served in 500ml plastic bags to be frozen.
Charamuscas are considered a low-cost specialty of street food stands throughout the country. They come in different colors and flavors.
The origin of charamuscas
Although their origin is unknown, it is believed that they may have appeared during the second half of the Spanish colony (1521-1810) after the arrival of the first sugar producers in El Salvador.
The representations that were made of them in the city of Guanajuato undoubtedly marked a tradition. The charamuscas became very popular after becoming the economic support of many families, being one of the most representative sweets of the region.
The word charamusca also refers to those informal and street soccer games in which there are no rules. The exact term for this is actually “charamusqueada”.
These drinks are homemade in many homes throughout Latin America. They take a little time to produce as they are hand-packed in bags with their characteristic shape.
Because they are generally available in street stalls, there are often warnings about their consumption as they do not always comply with basic sanitary regulations.
Variations of charamuscas
All versions of this soft drink known in Latin America are based on milk mixed with water and natural fruit juices.
In Mexico they are called “cubitos” or “hielitos”, although in some regions they are even called “sabalitos”. In general they usually have an elongated shape and are milk-based ice cubes flavored with chocolate, vanilla or even eggnog.
In Colombia they are called “vikingos” and the most popular versions are coconut, sapote and corozo flavored. Here they are also considered a reference of street food that , in order to remain cold they are kept in boxes made of Styrofoam.
In Chile they are called “helado en bolsa” and their most typical flavors are banana, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla.
In Peru they are called “chupps” or “marcianos” and in Venezuela “bambinos” or “chupichupi”. Here, those based on water are called “cítricos” and those based on milk are called “cremosos”.
In Spain, the soft drink is referred to as “flash” or “flas” and in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, “geladinho”.
Other popular names throughout the Americas are congelada, bolis, saborín, duros, bollos, duro frío, raspaíto, gelatinas de hielo or naranjú.
Charamuscas
Ingredients
For the coconut charamusca
- 1 small coconut (with its water)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Charamuscas bags (freezer bags of approximately 3 x 10 inches / 8 x 25 cm)
For the banana charamusca
- 2 bananas
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Charamuscas bags (freezer bags of approximately 3 x 10 inches / 8 x 25 cm)
For the strawberry charamusca
- 8 oz. strawberries
- 2 cups water
- ⅔ cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Charamuscas bags (freezer bags of approximately 3 x 10 inches / 8 x 25 cm)
For the mango charamusca
- 1 ripe mango , cut into pieces
- 2 cups water
- ⅔ cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Charamuscas bags (freezer bags of approximately 3 x 10 inches / 8 x 25 cm)
Equipment
- Blender
Instructions
Coconut charamusca
- Break the coconut and remove the flesh.
- Filter its water.
- Pour all the ingredients in a blender and mix for 2 minutes.
Banana charamusca
- Pour all the ingredients in a blender and mix for 2 minutes.
Strawberry charamusca
- Pour all the ingredients in a blender and mix for 2 minutes.
Mango charamusca
- Pour all the ingredients in a blender and mix for 2 minutes.
- Distribute the various charamuscas in the bags provided for this purpose, close them and place them in the freezer for 24 hours before tasting them.
Video
Nita is the foodie blogger behind Tastesspicy. Originally from the small Island of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, she now lives in the cold Tundra of Minnesota, USA where she enjoys sharing recipes from around the world, particularly from the Caribbean featuring foods with a spicy, but flavorful flair.
Zach says
I wish I found out about this drink before the end of summer…
Taye says
It doesn’t show melon on here and it’s by far the BEST flavor I’ve ever had!
Hands Doing Things says
Delicious indeed!