The story behind horchata water

Mexican “aguas frescas” are light beverages made from fruits, cereals, and flowers , as well as other ingredients that add a tasty touch to these drinks. One of the most popular kinds of "aguas frescas" is horchata.

In Mexico, horchata water is a beverage usually made with rice grains soaked in water that are then ground and mixed with sweetened water . A pinch of cinnamon is added as an extra flavor.

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Horchata water is originally from the Mediterranean . It came to Mexico through the Spanish . According to a Catalan or Valencian legend, the name of this beverage comes from the time a young peasant offered a glass of this water to King James I of Aragón . Horchata comes from the Latin hordiatam , from hordia , meaning barley.

In many parts of Mexico, people add cow milk to the mix and some other occasional ingredients.

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In several parts of Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche , people prepare horchata with coconut . This drink is made with ground rice mixed with milk, cinnamon, and sugar, but they also add the juice obtained from the blending of coconut pulp . The coconut juice and the milk give density and flavor to the beverage, the reason why many consider this horchata the most delicious one on the Mexican coasts.

In Chiapas , they have a version of horchata using melon seeds , and another one with almonds , in addition to the traditional ingredients. Some recipes include orange peel as well.

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In Colima , they have a version of horchata made with ground oats and seasoned with lime zest . It must be stirred constantly to prevent it from settling. Some even add orange or lime juice before drinking it.

In Oaxaca , they have several recipes, including milk, almonds, or lime peel. During, April and May, they add a fruit called jiotilla , which resembles a prickly pear fruit, which gives it a pink color , besides adding melon cubes, nutmeg, or roasted nut.

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In Querétaro , it is a tradition to offer horchata water to the pilgrims visiting the Dolores altars .

In Tabasco , the recipe includes oats boiled in water and cinnamon; then, they add milk and boil the mix again, and add vanilla at the end.

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