On September 24 we celebrate, National Horchata Day, a day to raise awareness of this delicious beverage and also to honour its rich Hispanic history. It’s a creamy, slightly sweet drink that’s perfect for cooling down on a warm day or just enjoying it as a treat. However, Horchata is one of the traditional Mexican beverages that many of us haven’t heard about, where Horchata is white rice soaked in water, flavoured with cinnamon, almonds, tiger nuts, or a little sugar.
According to the people’s preferences, people drink things where some people prefer it with milk and some other people like to add flavours such as vanilla, coconut and many others flavours. Also, you can make Horchata at your home trying different variations, or visiting a local restaurant or café that serves it. Also, this drink is considered as healthy and full of vitamins and supplements.
History of National Horchata Day
Did you know that, horchata is now a very trendy drink in the U.S., many people believe its roots are Mexican but in actuality, it originated from West Africa, present-day Nigeria, and Mali where it was and still is popularly known as ‘kuunu aya.’
It was speculated that during the Muslim conquest, the Moors brought it to Spain. Later in the 11th century, it spread through Spain and Portugal and eventually got its name ‘horchata’ in Valencia.
The origin stories of this non-alcoholic drink may have African anecdotes, the tales of where the name came from make-believe that there might have been other cultures that were creating their version of this drink.
Around the 16th century, the Romans were making their version of the milky drink. Instead of making it using popular ingredients such as rice or Tiger nut — which in actuality isn’t a nut, the Romans made use of barley because at the time the grain was believed to have some medicinal properties.
Romans milked the barley by soaking it in water, forming the base of the drink they called ‘hordeata’ which in translation means drink made from barley.
There’s another humorous version of how the drink got its name: In the 13th century, King James of Aragon was offered the drink by a little girl and upon tasting it he looked at her and asked in bewilderment what it was.
The young girl replied it was chufa milk, and he replied, “Això no es llet, això és or, xata!” “This is not milk; this is gold, my dear!” and that is where the name horchata originated.
National Horchata Day timeline
| 2400 B.C. (African Roots) | Findings trace the original creators of this drink back to Nigeria and Mali. |
| 1200s (Liquid Gold) | It’s claimed King James of Aragon coins the name ‘horchata’ from ‘Orxata.’ |
| 1500s (Chufa Arrives in Spain) | The Spanish bring rice, cane, cinnamon, and chufa with them from their travels. |
| 2019 (National Horchata Day Launches) | National Horchata Day was created by a brand called Ampm. |
Recipe- Classic Horchata
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
- A pinch of salt
How to make
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a bowl, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavour.
- After soaking, drain the rice and add it to a blender. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and blend on high until the rice is finely ground and the mixture looks somewhat milky.
- Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the rice mixture into a large pitcher, discarding the rice solids.
- Stir in the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (or cinnamon stick), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Refrigerate the horchata for at least 2 hours to allow the flavours to meld and to serve it cold.
- Shake or stir well before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Extra Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavour, you can add a little bit of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the horchata a second time through a coffee filter or fine cheesecloth.
5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Horchata
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The most famous horchatas are Mexican- There are over 10 varieties of horchata, the popular ones being Mexican rice-based drinks.
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Horchata is quite healthy- It’s rich in natural ingredients like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.
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It is an aphrodisiac- Locals in Spain, Mexico, and Nigeria vouch for its aphrodisiac effects.
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We’re still using the same recipe- Though there’ve been spins to the recipe, the 13th-century process has been incorporated.
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Tiger nut is not a nut- Tiger nuts or chufa are small tubers; the name comes from the stripes on the tubers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Horchata Day on September 24, 2024, is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and enjoy this beloved traditional beverage. Whether you’re making it at home, trying out new variations, or indulging in it at a local spot, it’s a great way to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and delicious flavours of horchata.
FAQs
What is horchata?
Can horchata be served hot or cold?
Horchata is typically served cold, but you can also enjoy it hot if you prefer. Cold horchata is especially refreshing on a warm day.
Is horchata suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Horchata made with rice and milk is generally suitable for those who are lactose intolerant if you use dairy alternatives. Be sure to check the recipe or restaurant’s ingredients if you have specific dietary needs.
Can horchata be used in recipes other than drinks?
Yes, horchata can be used in recipes such as desserts (like horchata-flavored ice cream or cakes) or even as a base for cocktails and mocktails.
Where did horchata originate?
Horchata originally comes from Spain, where it was made from tiger nuts (chufas). The Mexican version, which uses rice, became popular in Latin America over time.
Also, read more about National Blueberry Popsicle Day – September 2, 2024
