Horchata de Chufa (Spanish Tiger Nut Milk)

Horchata de chufa is Valencia’s original horchata, a creamy, naturally sweet drink made from soaked tiger nuts (chufas), not rice or cinnamon like the Mexican version most Americans know. Served ice cold, it’s been a Valencian summer staple since Moorish times.

Ingredients

For the horchata

• 1 cup dried tiger nuts (chufas)
• 4 cups cold water, plus more for soaking
• 1/3 cup sugar, or to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Soak the tiger nuts
   Rinse the tiger nuts, then soak them in plenty of cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water once or twice. They should plump up and soften slightly.
2. Blend
   Drain the tiger nuts and blend with the 4 cups of cold water on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until finely broken down and milky.
3. Strain
   Strain through a fine cheesecloth or nut milk bag, squeezing well to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
4. Sweeten and chill
   Stir in the sugar until dissolved, and add the cinnamon stick if using. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice, stirring before pouring as it separates naturally.

Horchata de chufa is naturally dairy-free and doesn’t keep long, plan to drink it within 2 days for the best flavor.