Here's what we know:
* Origins in the Middle East: The earliest known versions of horchata were likely made with rice and water, similar to the Middle Eastern drink "shorbat".
* Spread to Spain: The drink traveled to Spain with the Moors during the 8th century. It's believed to have been popularized in Valencia, where the modern Spanish horchata is still a staple.
* Variations in Latin America: Horchata eventually made its way to the Americas with Spanish colonizers. The Latin American versions often include spices like cinnamon and vanilla and sometimes use other ingredients like almonds or sesame seeds.
So, while no one single individual "invented" horchata, it's a drink that has evolved over centuries with contributions from different cultures and regions.