Discover the rapid surge in popularity of horchata, a creamy, refreshing drink from Spain and Mexico, as it makes its way onto Starbucks menus, into coffee shops as 'dirty' versions, and transforms into innovative cocktails and desserts across the UK and US.
The article details the burgeoning trend of horchata, a sweet and creamy cold drink from Spain and Mexico, which is rapidly gaining popularity and appearing in diverse forms. Starbucks in the US has seen its iced horchata shaken espresso become a top performer, leading to its return alongside a new horchata frappuccino. In the UK, 'dirty' horchata (with added espresso) is emerging on coffee shop menus. The piece distinguishes between Mexican horchata (traditionally rice-based) and Spanish horchata (made from tiger nuts), noting that many modern recipes now include milk. Online interest is soaring, with UK Google searches for 'what is horchata' up 30% and 'horchata BuzzBallz' seeing a 'breakout' increase of over 5,000%. Businesses like Brighton's Hi Cacti are expanding their horchata offerings to include various lattes, matcha, chai, coconut, and even rose syrup versions, leveraging its nostalgic appeal. The drink's versatility extends to cocktails, with establishments like Viajante87 offering a 'horchata colada' and Tapas3 a 'horchata martini.' Restaurant groups such as Wahaca have found 'tipsy horchata' outselling traditional cocktails, while Tacos Padre in London features a popular monthly horchata series with unique flavors like black sesame and melon-seed. Horchata is also being incorporated into desserts, from foams at Condesa Tapas to ice-cream at Topolabamba. The author recounts personal experiences trying pre-made and concentrate versions, noting the sweetness, and experimenting with a less-sweet tiger-nut alternative. The article concludes with the author successfully using horchata concentrate in a spicy horchata flan, highlighting its adaptability. The rise in horchata's popularity is attributed to a broader increase in interest in Mexican culture and tourism.
