Teresa's Recipes
Horchata Lojana
Horchata Lojana is a delightful and aromatic Ecuadorian beverage that embodies the essence of traditional herbal infusions. Made from a fragrant blend of chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm, and rose petals, this refreshing drink is not only soothing but also invigorating. Perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day or as a calming companion in the evening, Horchata Lojana is a taste of Ecuador's rich cultural heritage in every sip. Historically, this drink was enjoyed by families across the country, celebrating the abundance of natural ingredients found in their surroundings.
Ingredients
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1/2 cup (adjust to taste) Granulated sugar
- 4 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Dried rose petals
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon verbena leaves
- 1/4 cup Dried chamomile flowers
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Beverage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 25g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the dried chamomile flowers, dried rose petals, fresh lemon balm leaves, and fresh lemon verbena leaves.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and carefully pour it over the herb mixture. Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the full flavors.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the herbs and flowers.
- Add the sugar to the warm infusion and stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired.
- Let the horchata cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until chilled, about 1-2 hours.
- Serve the horchata over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnishing with a sprig of lemon balm or a few rose petals if desired.
Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- You can also experiment with other herbs like mint or lavender based on your preference.
- This drink can be enjoyed warm as well; simply skip the chilling step and enjoy it as a soothing herbal tea.