Flavor of the Week: Horchata

Horchata is a drink made by soaking white rice or seeds in water, then flavoring it with cinnamon and sugar. After the solids are strained, the drink is a sweet and rich beverage that can be served simply over ice or mixed with rum or other alcohol.

Blending well with Mexican or Spanish flavors, the comforting creaminess makes horchata an ideal drink to enjoy with a meal or as dessert, particularly for diners who avoid dairy.

According to market research firm Datassential, horchata can be found on 4.7% of U.S. menus, a 24% increase over the past four years, and it’s most popular among Millennials and western consumers.

Click through the gallery to learn more about this Flavor of the Week and to see how one restaurant is using horchata on its menu.