Costa Rica's horchata is rice-based like Mexico's, while Spain's original horchata is made from tiger nuts, and in Guanacaste it is often made from toasted corn instead.
Toasted rice is ground and simmered with cinnamon, then whisked with milk and sugar into a chilled, spiced drink. Vendors at San José's fairs and markets ladle it from large jars into plastic cups over ice.