Description
This creamy horchata is a refreshing Mexican drink made from soaked rice and almonds, blended with milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Served over ice, its a sweet and nutty treat perfect for warm days or whenever you desire a delightful beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup almonds (blanched or unblanched)
- 4 cups water (divided)
- 1 cup milk (whole, almond, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed rice and almonds. Pour in 2 cups of water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- After soaking, drain the rice and almonds, discarding the soaking water. Transfer them to a blender.
- Add 2 cups of fresh water to the blender with the soaked rice and almonds. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Pour the strained liquid back into the blender and add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend for about 30 seconds until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Transfer the horchata to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
- Stir well before serving, then pour over ice cubes in tall glasses.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Shake or stir before serving again.
Notes
- Experiment with different types of milk for varied flavors.
- For a richer taste, add a splash of sweetened condensed milk.
- Spice it up with nutmeg or cloves during blending.
- Blend in ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes