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Well Fed Network article - Horchata - Authentic Mexican Drink for Cinco de Mayo

If you are interested in injecting some more authentic flavor into your relatively in-authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations try the truly mejicano drink called Horchata.

(Oooh-rrrrr-ch-a-ta, one does not say the "H" sound in Spanish, don't forget to trill your "R"s too. If said right, this word can be fun to say).

Horchata is a milky looking concoction that is served cool. It is based on rice and can have additional nut ingredients, such as almonds (so beware fellow nut allergy sufferers). There are other Latin American countries that serve this, as well as Spain. Take a look at this Wikipedia entry on Horchata for more details.

The following recipe looks delicious, give it a try!

Horchata

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons rice
6 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) blanched almonds
1 inch cinnamon stick (canella)
3 "2-inch" strips of lime zest (rind only, not the white pithy part) 3/4" long
1 cup white granulated sugar
4 cups water

Directions:

Pulverize the rice using a blender. Grind the mixture as smooth as possible. Combine the rice with the almonds, cinnamon and lime zest.

Allow to stand overnight (at least 6 hours).

Blend again for at least 3 - 5 minutes until smooth, with no gritty texture. Blend in 2 cups of water for a few seconds. Line a sieve with 3 layers of damp cheesecloth, place over a large mixing bowl and pour the rice mixture, a little at a time, through the sieve into the bowl, stirring to help it through the sieve. Once done pouring, gather the cloth together at the top, give it a twist and squeeze out any additional liquid into the liquid in the bowl.

Add the remaining 2 more cups of water and stir in as much sugar as you'd like, to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add some additional water.

Cover and refrigerate, can keep several days if refrigerated.
Serve in a tall glass over ice.

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Mixes are also available (see below). I have even seen horchata for sale in convenience stores here in the North East! Blew my mind but glad to see it.

I hope you are able to make some fresh horchata for your Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Mixes

Horchata Mix by Juanita's 14 oz
KLASS Horchata Drink Mix - Aguas Frescas de Horchata .53 oz.
Horchata D'Vita Instant Rice Drink Mixes