Fusion horchata mocktail magic!

 

I recently completed an Instagram challenge on fusion cuisine, and I thought it would be wonderful to explore beverages for this theme and season. My contribution was this Mexican horchata with gond katira and Rooh Afza syrup.

 

Horchata “is a type of plant-based milk that is usually sweetened and sometimes flavored with spices, extracts and other ingredients. While Mexican-style horchata is the most commonly known variety in the US, horchata actually originated in Spain, and there are various types of horchatas throughout the Spanish-speaking world (…) Most types of horchata are made in a similar way: you soak the grains, nuts or seeds in hot water and then blend them with water and other ingredients. You then strain the mixture through a sieve or cloth to obtain a smooth beverage” (FoodNetwork.com)

 

 

To make this Mexican horchata, I soaked ground rice, cinnamon sticks and cloves in water overnight. The next day, I blended and strained the mixture, and I added vanilla extract and simple syrup (recipe credit: Muy Bueno Blog) Last but not least, I also blended in jelly-like pieces of gond katira previously soaked in water.

 

Gond katira/tragacanth gum is derived from astragalus plants, and it is a traditional household ingredient in India, which “is home to a huge variety of sherbet, a popular cold beverage made with cordial from fruits, flowers and herbs. In many homes, people also add gond katira to sherbet during the summer for its cooling properties. Some also consume the soaked jelly on its own, while others add it to milk, milkshakes, lassi (a yoghurt-based beverage), yoghurt and desserts such as kheer, a popular rice pudding eaten in South Asia, to reduce body heat, provide hydration and as a preventive measure against heatstroke” (BBC.com)

 

 

A final drizzle of ruby Rooh Afza, and the magic was complete. Infused with gond katira goodness and sweet enough to fulfill my craving for a dessert-like drink, this treat asked to be enjoyed immediately. A wondrous world of fusion, thirst-quenching and sweet tooth-satisfying, its ethereal beauty beaming in the enchanting summer sun:

 

 

For beverage recipe suggestions, you are welcome to check out this section of the blog.

 

Do you have a favorite fusion dish or drink? Let me know in the comments 🙂