Horchata de Valencia (Vegan)

Horchata de Valencia is a refreshing and creamy drink that originates from the region of Valencia, Spain. It’s made from tiger nuts (known as chufa) or rice milk, combined with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes a splash of lemon. It’s the perfect beverage for hot summer days, but also works beautifully as a sweet, comforting treat throughout the year.

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup tiger nuts (or 1 cup rice milk for a rice-based version)
4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1/4 cup sugar (or adjust to taste, you can also use agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to balance the sweetness)
Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Tiger Nuts (if using):
If you’re using dried tiger nuts (chufa), you’ll need to soak them in water for at least 24 hours to soften them. If you prefer a quicker method, you can use rice milk directly. If using rice milk, skip this soaking step and move straight to the next.
Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, add the soaked tiger nuts (or rice milk), water, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and sugar. If you like, add the vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Blend until Smooth:
Blend everything together on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you used tiger nuts, you can strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. If using rice milk, there’s no need to strain.
Add Lemon Juice (Optional):
After blending, add lemon juice if you’d like to give the drink a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness and spice.
Chill:
Transfer the horchata to a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld together. This is an important step for the flavors to develop fully.
Serve:
Pour the chilled horchata into glasses filled with ice cubes and stir well. If desired, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips:

Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more sugar or your favorite sweetener, such as agave or maple syrup.
Extra Spice: For a more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of almond extract.
Storage: Horchata de Valencia can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to stir it before serving, as the ingredients may settle.

Variations:

Almond Milk Horchata: For a nutty twist, try using almond milk instead of rice milk.
Spiked Horchata: Add a splash of rum or a bit of brandy for an adult version of this classic drink.

Horchata de Valencia is the ultimate vegan Spanish treat that combines the nutty flavor of tiger nuts with the warming spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar. It’s a refreshing, creamy drink that’s perfect for cooling down in the summer or enjoying as a cozy dessert.