See my Top Ten Spanish Drinks
What is Horchata Made of?
The confusion over what horchata is made of is largely due to the fact that horchata is also a popular drink in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.
Horchata in Spain is made of water, sugar and tigernut (chufas), while in Latin America it is a rice-based beverage. But don't worry, no tigers were injured in the making of this drink - tigernut is actually a plant called cyperus esculentus. Horchata is therefore perfect for vegetarians, vegans and people with nut alergies.
Where to Get Horchata
Horchata is available throughout Spain. Many bars make it themselves and will display a sign saying that they have it "Hay Horchata". Street stalls selling cold drinks also often sell Horchata (they are normally the same stalls that sell 'granizado', which is like Slush Puppy).
Horchata also comes prepackaged, but it tastes nothing like the homemade version.
Horchata in Valencia & Catalonia
Horchata is called 'orxata' in Catalonia and Valencia and is extremely popular. There are a number of 'horchaterias' in Valencia, the most famous of which is opposite the Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina in the corner of Plaza de la Reina. They also sell nice pastries to be dunked in your Horchata. Mmmm.
To be honest though, with ingredients as simple as they are, there is little difference between cafeterias that sell horchata. As long as it is cold and made on site (as opposed to bottled), it will be as good as any other.
Remember to also try Valencia's other culinary trademark: paella!
