Almond Horchata

Gracias Madre Restaurant

West Hollywood, Calif.

Gracias Madre serves a plant-based, meatless menu inspired by the kitchens of Mexico. The restaurant has an extensive nonalcoholic drinks list, which includes fresh-pressed juices, kombuchas, housemade sodas and horchatas. This signature horchata starts by soaking almonds and dates, then blending them with flavorings until liquefied and smooth.

Steps

1. In medium bowl, combine almonds and dates. Sprinkle with a generous shake of sea salt. Cover with water until completely submerged. Let stand for 1 hour.
2. Strain out almonds and dates; discard soaking water.
3. In blender container, combine almonds and dates with 1½ fresh water, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of sea salt; blend until very smooth. Serve over ice, garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Photo courtesy of Almond Board of California