Pop into most O.G. burrito shops or taquerias, and you’ll likely find horchata on the menu. The traditional Latin American plant-based milk beverage is made with nuts, rice, or fruit, and is often spiked with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. On its own, this creamy, refreshing beverage satisfies, but RumChata takes things up a notch.
RumChata is a Mexican horchata-inspired, rum-based liqueur using Caribbean rum, spices, vanilla, and Wisconsin dairy cream. The result is one of the most popular cream liqueurs available, which can be enjoyed over ice, neat, or in cocktails.
Whether you mix RumChata with coffee, chai, or soda, its richness and warming spice flavor profile make it an excellent springboard for holiday cocktails.
Anyela Santos (@anyelaskitchen), a content creator and recipe developer also known as the “Philly Foodie,” recently shared how she incorporates RumChata into her holiday preparations and festivities. Her Instagram feed presents a smattering of wellness, clean eating, and cocktail imagery that might inspire you to try your hand at something new this holiday season, like a two-part RumChata Dirty Soda.
When asked what makes RumChata a staple for her holiday cocktails, Santos shared, “The notes of cinnamon and vanilla evoke the flavors commonly associated with holiday treats and desserts, creating a sense of nostalgia and coziness.”
She goes on to say, “The unique combination of rum, cream, and spices has made RumChata synonymous with holiday celebrations, allowing it to stand out as my go-to choice for seasonal cocktails.”
Anyela’s Holiday Cocktail Pointers:
Garnish wisely: A good garnish can elevate your cocktail’s presentation and aroma. Fresh herbs, citrus peels, or spices like cinnamon sticks add a festive accent.
Chill your glassware: Chilling your glassware (either kept cold with ice just before serving or storing in a refrigerator or freezer) can help keep cocktails cold longer, especially for drinks that are served straight up or on the rocks.
Presentation matters: Use elegant glassware and consider thematic decorations for your drinks. Presentation can enhance the enjoyment of the cocktail and set the holiday mood.
Spice dust: A sprinkle of cinnamon or grated nutmeg on top of creamy cocktails can provide a warm aroma and flavor that evoke the holiday vibe.
“I honestly get inspired by the holiday spirit and by keeping an eye on current culinary trends, whether they focus on unique ingredients, cocktail styles, or innovative techniques. This can inspire creative and trendy cocktails,” says Santos.
You could serve this festive beverage alongside savory dishes, or pair it with one of Santos’s holiday favorites, arroz con dulce. As we close out the year and seek the comfort of home and hearth, this RumChata Dirty Soda comes together quickly, leaving more time to sit, savor, and sip with friends and loved ones.
RUMCHATA DIRTY SODA
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add 2 ounces RumChata.
- Add soda and stir to combine.
This article is sponsored by RumChata.
