- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BeverageDrinking
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 24
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥛
National Horchata Day celebrates this refreshing, milky beverage every September 24. A staple in many Hispanic cultures, horchata is traditionally made from rice soaked in water, flavored with cinnamon and sugar. Take a moment to appreciate its unique taste and rich history, try a new recipe, or visit a local eatery for an authentic glass.
Want to sponsor National Horchata Day? Learn how
Expected National Horchata Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Horchata Day is a prime opportunity for beverage brands and restaurants to offer specials. Look for deals at Mexican restaurants like Chipotle or Qdoba, which often feature horchata or similar agua frescas. Specialty coffee shops such as Starbucks or Dunkin’ might introduce limited-time horchata-flavored lattes or cold brews. Local panaderías and taquerías are also reliable spots for discounted horchata. Even grocery stores like Whole Foods Market or Target may highlight horchata ingredients or ready-to-drink versions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 24 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Horchata Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHorchataDay. Share vibrant photos of your horchata creations or favorite local spots serving the drink.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalHorchataDay. Film a quick DIY horchata recipe or a taste test of different variations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHorchataDay. Share your family’s traditional horchata recipe or memories of enjoying it.
National Horchata Day Hero
The Horchata Makers
History of National Horchata Day
To fully immerse ourselves in this simply satisfying drink. We must gain some perspective on where this drink originated from and why it now has its holiday.
Horchata is now a very trendy drink in the U.S., and many believe its roots are Mexican but in actuality, it originates from West Africa, present-day Nigeria, and Mali where it was and still is popularly known as ‘kuunu aya.’ It dates back to as far as 2,400 B.C. It is speculated that during the Muslim conquest the Moors brought it to Spain. In the 11th century, it spread through Spain and Portugal and eventually got its name ‘horchata’ in Valencia.
Though the origin stories of this non-alcoholic drink may have African anecdotes, the tales of where the name came from make-believe that there might have been other cultures that were creating their version of this drink. Around the 16th century, the Romans were making their version of the milky drink. Instead of making it using the popular ingredients such as rice or Tiger nut — which in actuality isn’t a nut, the Romans made use of barley because at the time the grain was believed to have some medicinal properties. Romans milked the barley by soaking it in water, forming the base of the drink they called ‘hordeata’ which in translation means drink made from barley.
There’s another humorous version of how the drink got its name: In the 13th century, King James of Aragon was offered the drink by a little girl and upon tasting it he looked at her and asked in bewilderment what it was. The young girl replied, it was chufa milk, and he replied, “Això no es llet, això és or, xata!” “This is not milk; this is gold, my dear!” and that is where the name horchata originated.
National Horchata Day timeline
Findings trace the original creators of this drink back to Nigeria and Mali.
It’s claimed King James of Aragon coins the name ‘horchata’ from ‘Orxata.’
The Spanish bring rice, cane, cinnamon, and chufa with them from their travels.
National Horchata Day is created by a brand called ampm.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Horchata Day
Local businesses can honor National Horchata Day by offering special promotions or limited-time horchata-flavored items. Restaurants can feature horchata as a drink special, perhaps with a unique twist like a horchata float or cocktail. Bakeries might create horchata-flavored pastries, cookies, or cakes. Cafes could introduce horchata lattes or iced coffees. Businesses can also partner with local Hispanic cultural centers to highlight the history and cultural significance of horchata, offering tastings or educational materials to customers.
National Horchata Day FAQs
When is National Horchata Day?
National Horchata Day 2026 falls on Thursday, September 24, inviting everyone to enjoy this sweet, milky beverage. It’s the perfect mid-week treat to savor its unique flavors.
What are the main ingredients in horchata?
Traditional Mexican horchata is primarily made from white rice soaked in water, then blended and strained. It’s typically flavored with cinnamon and sugar, creating its signature sweet and slightly spiced profile.
Where did horchata originate?
Horchata has ancient roots, with its origins often traced back to North Africa. The version made from tiger nuts (horchata de chufa) is particularly famous in Valencia, Spain, while rice-based horchata is prominent in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Is horchata healthy?
Horchata can be a healthy and refreshing drink, especially when made with natural ingredients and moderate sugar. It often contains vitamins and minerals from its rice or nut base, and can be a good dairy-free option.
National Horchata Day Activities
Engage your online friends
You can share fun facts about horchata on your social media and use the hashtags of the day, such as #NationalHorchataDay.
Go get horchata with your peers
There are so many different flavors of horchata, some come a little sweet, and some come a little spicy; you and your friends can go out and find which flavors are your favorites.
Make it yourself
There are a lot of recipes online for horchata. A good way to get into the feel of the day will be to whip out your apron and make a recipe you think you’ll love.
5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Horchata
The most famous horchatas are Mexican
There are over 10 varieties of horchata, the popular ones being Mexican rice-based drinks.
Horchata is quite healthy
It’s rich in natural ingredients like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.
It is an aphrodisiac
Locals in Spain, Mexico, and Nigeria vouch for its aphrodisiac effects.
We’re still using the same recipe
Though there’ve been spins to the recipe, the 13th-century process has been incorporated.
Tiger nut is not a nut
Tiger nuts or chufa are small tubers; the name comes from the stripes on the tubers.
Why We Love National Horchata Day
It educates people
There are a lot of people that are missing out on this tasty treat. It can be served hot on a chilly day or cold on a hot summer's day. Either way, it is often a healthy refreshment instead of the carbonated usuals.
It celebrates history
This day aims to celebrate the journey of horchata, from Egypt to Valencia and now Mexico. This tasty beverage has been a part of many cultures. For this reason, the rich history of its origin is a good story to tell.
It promotes businesses
Horchata is mainly available in small shops or confectioneries. Because of this, the day encourages people to support small businesses while enjoying the drinks.
National Horchata Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 24 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 24 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 24 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 24 | Monday |
| 2030 | September 24 | Tuesday |
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