If you have ever tried horchata, you know how delicious this beverage can be and how well it pairs with many different Mexican meals. There is a reason this sweet drink is so popular in the Mexican culture. If you haven’t ever tried it, you may be wondering what this drink is actually made out of. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant is here to talk about where horchata comes from, what it is and what it pairs well with.

Are there Different Flavor Varieties of Horchata?

While horchata comes in many varieties, the most common one is popular in Mexico and is a rice-based drink. Horchata is technically any drink that is made of soaked grains, nuts or seeds that are mixed with water and spices. While it may look a lot like milk with cinnamon in it, the drink is actually dairy-free. Horchata is white in color and can have a chalky texture to it. Because it does have blended rice it in, you need to stir this drink often and will still find some solids at the bottom of your glass when you have finished the drink. This humble beverage is widely consumed in Mexico and Mexican restaurants in the states.

Is Horchata Good or Bad for Your Health?

While horchata tastes like a dessert, it is actually healthier than you may think. As it is dairy-free and made with naturally-sweet ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, and rice; this tasty beverage is actually a fair source of several minerals too.

Where is Horchata Popular?

If you are looking for rice horchata, you can find it easily on the streets of Mexico and is usually sold by the glass with some ice. Mexican restaurants also sell this drink because it is so popular. Many people are finding that it is the perfect alternative to milk if they are looking for something that is dairy free. Some people even purchase rice horchata syrup that they can simply add water to in order to create their own horchata at home. While rice horchata is the most popular flavor, you can also find other variations to try more and more from several different companies.

Spicy Food Goes Good with Horchata

One of the biggest reasons that horchata is so popular in Mexican restaurants is the fact that it pairs well with spicy food. If you enjoy spicy food but wish that you could find the perfect beverage to take the edge off the burn on your tongue, horchata could be the perfect fit for you. Not only is it great to take the edge off the spice, but it can also pair well with some kinds of alcohol. The alcohols that are most used with horchata are rum, tequila, mezcal or vodka. Some people also mix horchata with cold brew concentrate or espresso to give it a kick.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV

If you are looking for the perfect beverage to pair with the delicious Mexican meals that Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant offers, we highly recommend giving horchata a try. If you haven’t tried it before, you are about to be amazed as the delicious flavor as well as texture of this Mexican drink. Come in and try it today!