Best Horchata Latte in Seattle
- Emily Ferrer
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
The Horchata Latte; a blend of our favorite espresso beverage and a delicious traditional Mexican beverage. And it's gaining popularity, right up there with the Arnold Palmer's of the world. But where to pick up a cup of your own?
Horchata, by itself, is typically made with rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. It can also include milk, almonds, and vanilla extract. And much like everything else, has different variations depending on the geographical location it's being made from. For example, my husband is from Spain and grew up with a more earthy, nutty horchata flavor palette; so nine-times-out-of-ten, when he gets a horchata from America, it's "too sweet".
Seattle is the coffee capital (at least we like to claim that epithet) but the type of coffee on the menus is very European-inspired and, honestly, the coffee market has become pretty saturated with the same looking and tasting menus. But lately, it seems like, there's an infusion of a different type of coffee culture popping up and energizing the city. From Vietnamese and East African to Mexican traditional brewing methods, there's unique flavors and community building taking place and taking up space in Seattle!
But, we're here to talk specifically about Horchata...so here's a short-list of my favorite places in Seattle to pick up a Horchata Latte (so far):
Not only can you pick up a delicious Horchata Latte (served iced or hot), but it pairs quiet well with their tacos! And not to mention that this "hole-in-the-wall" is right next door to the first Starbucks and has the bright vibes to match the full of flavor menu - especially the decorated tiles spanning their bar area. There's a tile for each mood, each activity! They do have a few other locations within Seattle that offer the same vibes and I assume their lattes are just as good.
📍: 1914 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Featured in my "Come w/ me to Capitol Hill" Reel
Speaking of the Capitol Hill neighborhood...
What started as a monthly Aqui Mercado pop-up market, developed into a brick-and-mortar coffee shop! This shop is a special blend of aesthetics and actually delicious beverages. Although the menu item says "horchata chai", I had them add a shot of espresso and then they topped it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon! (and their horchata is made in-house) The space is bright from wall to ceiling windows with different nooks to sit among plants as you sip your beverage. A loft with stadium seating, a few standing spots along the windows inside and outside, and a room with bench and table seating. Or you can peek at the "mercadito" from local crafters.
📍: 1351 E Olive Wy, Seattle, WA 98122
Featured in my "pov: you find the perfect coffee spot" Reel
Speaking of going from pop-up shop to having their very own brick-and-mortar coffee shop...
Coming Soon! Café Calaveras
Clarissa Griego, has big news! Her Café Calaveras Pop-Up, that has been popping up all over Seattle the last two years, is finding a brick-and-mortar home on Yesler Way in Seattle, this year! And a little birdy told me that Horchata Lattes will be on the menu...
This is a big next step for Clarissa and she's pouring her heart and soul into every detail of the shop to make it a place of belonging and connection. Although the space is currently under construction and there's several hoops to jump through; on paper, she's designed a bright, colorful, and welcoming coffee shop that is a direct reflection of her heritage, culture, and personality.
📍: 860 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
ICYMI
And there's going to be a docuseries created centered around Clarissa, community, coffee, and what it takes to go from pop-up vendor to having your very own brick and mortar! Emily Ferrer is the creative director of this docuseries, which is planned to air on YouTube in three to four parts leading up to and after the Grand Opening Event this summer. Emily is excited to collaborate within the Seattle communities to bring this colorful and inspiring story to audiences.
🎥 Although Emily has been creating content for a decade, this will be her debut documentary. Currently in the filming and scripting stage. Stay tuned for all the BTS and the series launch this summer! It's going to be a vibe!
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