Horchata & Orxata

The drink, and subject of a new Vampire Weekend song (see below), refers to several kinds of traditional beverages made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley or tigernuts (chufas). In Spain, it usually refers to orxata de xufes (horchata de chufas), made from tigernuts, water and sugar.

Originally from Valencia, the idea of making horchata from tigernuts comes from the period of Muslim presence in Valencia (from the 8th to 13th century). It has a regulating council to ensure the quality of the product and the villages where it can come from, with the Denomination of Origin. The village of Alboraia is well known for the quality of their horchata. 

It is served ice cold as a natural refreshment in the summer. Tigernut horchata is also used in place of milk by the lactose intolerant.In the US, rice-based or morro horchata is served in many Mexican restaurants, and the horchata de chufas (tigernut) is virtually unknown. Rice-based horchata is also sometimes available in US grocery and convenience stores, especially in Hispanic neighborhoods.

Vampire Weekend - Horchata