You will often find Horchata on most Mexican restaurant menus. This favorite and somewhat timeless beverage has been a beloved traditional beverage in Mexican culture. There are many people who may have been hesitant to try horchata because they may not know its primary ingredients or its taste. Horchata has a long history and is one of the most favorite beverages of Mexico and South America. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to shine the spotlight on horchata and share how it’s made as well as its history.
What Does Horchata Mexican Drink Taste Like?
Horchata is ranked as one of the most loved beverages that has a long history and worldwide influence. The modern horchata is a sweet and crème colored drink made from almonds, rice and cinnamon. It is mostly recognized in Latin based restaurants and ice cream shops. However, horchata didn’t originate in South America or Mexico. The first horchata originated in South Africa about 2400 B.C. and was widely used by the Egyptians and Romans. Horchata was first called “horchata de chufa” which means sweetened tiger nut. The Egyptian and Romans not only enjoyed the beverage, they also used it to help control fevers as it had a cooling quality. Additionally, horchata helped keep the people cooler due to the intense hot climate. Horchata was later spread by the Islamic people to the Moors who took this delightful beverage to West Africa and Spain. Horchata spread quickly throughout Spain, France and England, with each culture slightly modifying the drink to match local resources. It is no surprise then that it was the Spanish who brought horchata to Mexico. As Spain colonized Mexico they had to adapt the horchata recipe as tiger nut wasn’t found on the new continent. As a result, Horchata was made primarily with rice and almonds. In order to help strengthen the flavor of the new horchata drink, the Spanish used cinnamon, vanilla, and in some regions, marigolds to increase the flavor. With the many health benefits and great flavor of horchata, it quickly spread to surrounding areas, throughout Mexico, and into South and North America. As there are variations of the drink and its name, in North America you will commonly see it as Horchata.
Is Mexican Horchata Good for You?
Horchata isn’t just a cool and refreshing drink, perfect for a hot summer day, it is also healthy. Horchata was widely used to help fight fevers. However, it is also an excellent source of vitamin B9 which helps provide energy. Horchata is also known to promote a healthy liver and is a kidney cleanser. Additionally, horchata can help reduce inflammation and even pain. Some studies even suggest horchata can help provide a moisturizing tonic for the brain.
Traditional Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV & Henderson, NV)
Horchata is healthy, has a long history, and tastes great. You can often find horchata at many Mexican restaurants. For those who want to taste a bit of history, improve their health and want a great tasting drink to cool off, come on down to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant. We provide horchata, which has a rich taste and is great for both kids and adults. It complements most if not all Mexican dishes. For great traditional Mexican food and drinks, come visit Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant today!