Last night I ordered a “spiked” horchata at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant, and although the food was mediocre (and expensive), the drink was great! It was a typical horchata that was spiked with spiced rum.

Horchata (sometimes called rice milk) is made of finely ground raw rice and cinnamon steeped in water for a few days then strained.  After it is strained it is thinned down with more water and sweetened with sugar. The result is a milky-white drink that is refreshing because it is water-based, and intense in flavor from the several-day soaking process.

Although the drink was great with the rum (a slice of orange would have been a nice addition as well), it by no means needs it.  Horchata is delicious on its own and is the perfect pairing to cool down spicy hot foods.

Filed Under: Wine & Libations, Food Talk