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Region: Christmas

LodgedFromMessages
The Generous Roots of Yuletide Yggdrasil

Have folks here tried the drink "Horchata"? It is quite common in parts of the US with connections to Mexico and its culture, or just lots of Mexican immigration. Apparently, it is derived from Spain, where it is produced with a bit different ingredients and more resembles rice pudding. However, I understand that the Spanish themselves got the beverage from North Africa, following the Muslim conquest of the Iberian peninsula. But in the Americas, various local versions sprang up in the wake of the Spanish Empire, and these are often creamier and more drinkable.

The Mexican version is simply rice milk, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar. Maybe the next most common variant found in the US is that derived from Puerto Rico, given its status as a US territory. Being in the Caribbean, this one uses coconut milk, rather than rice milk, as well as ground sesame seeds.

Anyway, I bring it up as I find it to be a kind of Christmas beverage counterpart for the Summer season. Cinnamon and vanilla and refreshing rice or coconut milk. It's cozy and comforting, but cool and thirst-quenching. I daresay it could well be the Official Christmas Beverage of Summer :P

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