Horchata is an authentic Latin American drink that has been around for centuries. The origins of Horchata crossed the world before it finally made its way to the Americas. This tasty and delightful drink is perfect for any holiday and to cool you down during the hot summer. This means you can enjoy a Horchata all year long. Today, Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to put the spotlight on Horchata and share its origins and what makes this drink so tasty.
Where Did Horchata Originally Come From?
Horchata is a Latin American staple and is found in many Mexican restaurants. However, the true origins of Horchata first began in North Africa! Thousands of years ago, in North Africa, this drink was known as “horchata de chufa” and has changed very little over the centuries. In Africa, Horchata de chufa was made from a ground and sweetened tiger nut. Horchata de chufa wasn’t just tasty but was also used to help keep the people cool during heat waves. It was also known to reduce fevers. Horchata de chufa made its way across Africa. When the Spanish went to West Africa they took the concept of this drink back to Spain. Later when Spain came to South America and Mexico, they made their own adaptions of Horchata de chufa. As tiger nut is not indigenous to the Americas, other versions were made with other plant based milk. Most commonly in Mexico, Horchata was made with rice as well as other grains and is often accompanied with vanilla and cinnamon. In Mexico this drink is called “ Horchata de arroz.” Throughout South America and Mexico you can find a ton of variations of Horchata, however is it still a plant or grain milk based drink.
Is Horchata Made of Milk?
There are a lot of variations of Horchata. You can find a number of different recipes online and in cook books. Since each region of South America and Mexico have different resources available, it makes sense that you will find a number of different ways to make Horchata. However, the most common recipes often use some of the same ingredients. When making Horchata you will often have:
• Milk of Long Grain White Rice and Almonds
• Cinnamon or Cinnamon Sticks
• Cold Water and Ice
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Whole Milk
The almonds and rice are milked which give Horchata its flavor. The cinnamon, vanilla and sugar is added to provide the rice milk with more flavor. However, whole milk is not very common, but it is sometimes used to provide a creamier texture. You will often find a cocoa powder used in some Horchata. The two most common types of Horchata is the cinnamon or cocoa flavored. Horchata is most often served cold and even with ice. However there are warm variations of Horchata which is perfect for winter.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV)
Horchata is simply a treat, especially when you find a restaurant with great tasting Horchata. If you are having a craving for a Horchata or want to try this delicious drink for yourself, Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant makes a traditional Horchata. For great Mexican cuisine come on down to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant today!
