One of the most refreshing and appetising summer drinks is horchata. Although it is more typical of the Valencian coast, there are several places in Madrid where you can try the best in the city.
Horchatería y Heladería Alboraya
Since 1980, this has been one of the most famous horchaterias in Madrid. Its star drink is horchata, accompanied by the famous fartons, long pastries covered in icing, typical of Valencia. You can also cool down with one of their popular slushies, coffee, lemon, strawberry or barley water. Another drink not to be missed is the nacional (iced coffee with vanilla ice cream) or the blanco y negro (iced coffee and cream ice cream). And, of course, their famous leche merengada ice cream, a delight. It has two premises, one at Calle Alcalá 125 and the other on Plaza Felipe II.
This is one of the oldest horchaterias in the city, located in the Tetuán neighbourhood. It opened in 1946 and was founded by two Valencians who emigrated to Madrid. It is now run by the fourth generation of horchateros from the same family. The menu includes homemade horchata, as well as other products made by the family, such as leche merengada and other ice creams, slushies, lemonades and barley water.
The menu includes homemade horchata, as well as other products made by the family, such as leche merengada and other ice creams, slushies, lemonades and barley water. They have been making horchata since 1975, using tiger nut milk from Alboraya. In addition to their famous horchata, they are known for their delicious ice creams, with more than 48 different flavours. The ice creams, slushies and cakes are all made in their own kitchens. They have two branches, one in Chamberí and the other in Torrelodones.
El Kiosko de Horchata de Miguel y José
This traditional family kiosk is run by brothers Miguel and José, great-grandchildren of the founders, who came from Crevillente (Alicante). Located near Goya, you can make a stop for an authentic Valencian horchata de chufa, a refreshing lemon granizado or the Madrilenian barley water.
Nothing beats a good horchata to ward off the Madrid heat.
