Horchata is a traditional, sweet, and usually dairy-free beverage made by soaking grains, nuts, or seeds in water, then blending and straining the mixture, often adding sugar and spices like cinnamon for flavor. Its origins trace back to Spain, where it is traditionally made from soaked, ground tiger nuts (chufa), a practice brought by the Arab Moors during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. This Spanish version, known as horchata de chufa, remains popular in Valencia and is made from the root of a sedge plant, not actual nuts
. In the Americas, especially Mexico, horchata evolved into a drink typically made from white rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar, sometimes enhanced with vanilla or milk. This Mexican horchata is part of a broader category of beverages called aguas frescas, which are light, non-alcoholic drinks made from fruits, seeds, or grains. The Mexican version has a milky appearance and a refreshing, lightly creamy texture, served chilled over ice, often enjoyed alongside spicy foods
. In summary, horchata is a sweet, refreshing beverage with regional variations but generally involves soaking and blending plant-based ingredients with spices and sweeteners to create a cooling drink
