Horchata, in its most basic and contemporary form, is a beverage made from the milk of rice and/or nuts, like almonds and cashews, spiced and sweetened with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. We like to call it a churro in a cup. Our favorite drink has become widely available throughout the world but has taken on many, many different forms since its origin in North Africa in 2400 B.C. It attained popularity in Valenica, Spain during the Muslim conquest in the 13th century, in the form of "horchata de chufa" - the milk of chufas, or tiger nuts, which are actually tubers - not nuts - and were one of the main sources of sustenance for early humans. After spreading to Latin America and trying on different dresses of plant-based milks like calabash, coconut, and rice, horchata made its way to North America and took on a few new flavor additives like condensed milk and other nut milks like almond and cashew. It makes its way into lattes, beers, cocktails, desserts, protein shakes, and one thing's for sure - its simple, sweet cinnamon and vanilla flavor profile stood the test of time and is here for good!
