Horchata: Mexican Refreshment

Horchata, or orxata, is a Mexican nut-based drink that you’ll see on menus everywhere in Mexico. Deliciously cooling in the scorching Mexican sun.

Horchata officially comes from Valencia, Spain, where it is made with barley and tiger nuts, almonds or sesame seeds. In Mexico, the most common base is rice and cinnamon. A few ice cubes in the glass make it a wonderfully refreshing drink.

Variations galore

Just as with many ‘authentic’ dishes or drinks, there are as many variations on horchata as there are people who prepare it. Within Mexico’s borders, opinions on what should go into it vary enormously.
For example, you can choose jasmine rice, basmati or another long-grain rice variety. And which nuts will you use? Raw almonds? Sesame seeds? Will you add coconut? Or strawberries (horchifresa)?

Prefer something alcoholic? Go for the bittersweet negroni cocktail.

Make it yourself

However you look at it, a refreshing horchata with ice cubes is exactly the cooling refreshment you need. So if you ever find yourself in Mexico, you’ll know what to do.

Not heading to the other side of the world anytime soon? Don’t worry, a delicious horchata is easy to make yourself. All you need is rice, almonds (or tiger nuts or sesame seeds), cinnamon and water (or even more nut milk). The great thing is that almost anything goes. As long as you don’t use dairy.

Patience is a virtue

For a delicious, creamy horchata, you’re supposed to soak the rice and the nuts you use for a while. Preferably overnight. During this process, you can add flavorings such as vanilla or coconut. The cinnamon infuses the rice nicely while soaking, and the nuts become wonderfully soft. So it’s genuinely important to be patient.

Then blend the whole lot, strain it and you’ll be left with delicious horchata. For example, use this excellent basic recipe. Its authors conducted extensive taste-panel and cooking tests, so you can be sure this one is delicious.