Horchata/Cinnamon Drink (Phoenix: homes, shop, trendy)

[Solere]

I went to a taco shop tonight and in addition to Coca-Cola products in fountain drink format, they had a cinnamon flavored drink called horchata along with a tamarind, watermelon, lime, and strawberry variety in fountain drink format, all from the same company which I don't recall. This cinnamon flavored drink tasted rich, delicious and frothy. I couldn't tell if it was carbonated or not, but my hunch is it wasn't. Is this drink is available in Phoenix metro area grocery stores and if so, what are some brand names, where can I find it and does it come in 2 liter bottles like sodas?

[Drover]

Horchata is not carbonated. It is commercially packaged, probably availabe at Mexican produce markets and the like. IMO you're better off making it at home -- the ingredients are all common household stuff like water, cinnamon, rice, vanilla extract, sugar, and that's about it. Some recipes call for milk while others don't; same with almonds. It's particularly useful for cooling your mouth/tongue while eating spicy food.

[Finger Laker]

Moderator cut: snip
...
the sodas were probably Jarritos which are widely available

as for Horchata - I don't think Jarritos makes a version and I have never bought it from a store ... but there are a ton of variations througout the city .... basically rice milk with cinnamon and other spices/ingredients

[Bondurant]

Horchata can be found at most Mexican stands most grocery stores. Food City will probably have the best variety. Look in the Mexican aisles as well as the dairy case.

[roseville lover]

Ingredients
1 cup long grain rice, rinsed
2 quarts water
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1/2 cup white sugar




Directions
1. In a large saucepan, combine rice, water and cinnamon stick. Set aside for 3 hours.
2. After 3 hours, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.
3. Puree rice mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Flavor with vanilla and sugar to taste. Chill, and serve over ice.

[nightnurse613]

You will find it at most Phoenix area grocery stores (Frys. Bashas, Safeway). I see it in the regular card board 1/2 gallon milk containers; occasionally in a plastic Sunny D type container. The key, in my opinion, is the fountain type dispensers that the OP mentions, it keeps it mixed up and cold! Yum!!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by nightnurse613

You will find it at most Phoenix area grocery stores (Frys. Bashas, Safeway). I see it in the regular card board 1/2 gallon milk containers; occasionally in a plastic Sunny D type container. The key, in my opinion, is the fountain type dispensers that the OP mentions, it keeps it mixed up and cold! Yum!!

QT offers it as one of their smoothie selections.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by observer53

QT offers it as one of their smoothie selections.

That settles it, I knew it was getting trendy after the Vampire Weekend song, but it looks like it will be in IHOP next.

[NYorkFeinix]

Wohoooo my fave soft drink when i go to phx cant find it here in NYC.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Their are 4 traditional drinks you can find in my wifes families homes, all are what are called Aguas Frescas.

Jamica or habiscus tea is my favorite. It can be hot or cold. I like it ice cold

Horchata and most of what you will find is rice based although their are other versions such as almond. My kids would rather drink Horchata than Pepsi or anything else.

Tamarind water or boiled tamarind seads. It is hard to make and many places don't carry it. My wifes family makes it and it is a favorite drink for me.

Chia Fresca a drink made from chia seeds. It is supposed to have a lot of health benefits. I haven't tried it so can't comment.

It is hard to mass produce these drinks as they are so much better fresh made or kept in a drink machine that keeps mixing it.