Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Horchata is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The combination of rice, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a subtly sweet and aromatic flavor that is perfect for anyone craving a unique and refreshing drink. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be made in large batches for gatherings or meal prep. The creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and hint of cinnamon make horchata a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for all ages. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a traditional Mexican beverage right in your own home!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help give the horchata a smooth texture.
- Soak the rice: Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add 4 cups of water. Let it soak for about 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Blend the rice mixture: After soaking, transfer the rice and water into a blender. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar. Blend the mixture until the rice is fully broken down and the mixture is smooth.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove the rice pulp. Press gently on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Add the milk: Pour the milk into the strained liquid and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour to chill. Serve it over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings of horchata.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Soaking Time: 3 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes (or overnight)
Variations
- Dairy-free horchata: Substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Extra flavor: Add a couple of whole cloves or a splash of orange zest to the soaking water for an added burst of flavor.
- Spicy horchata: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the horchata for a unique twist.
- Almond horchata: Add a handful of almonds to the soaking mixture for a richer, nuttier flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Store leftover horchata in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Horchata is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer a warm version, gently heat it on the stovetop, but do not boil.
FAQs
Can I make horchata without soaking the rice overnight?
While soaking the rice overnight allows for the best flavor extraction, you can soak it for just a few hours if you’re short on time.
Is horchata vegan-friendly?
Yes, if you use a plant-based milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk) and avoid any dairy products, horchata can be made vegan.
Can I make horchata without a blender?
Blending the rice mixture is important to break down the rice and achieve a smooth texture. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor or manually mash the rice before straining.
How do I adjust the sweetness of horchata?
Taste the horchata after adding the milk and sugar. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar or a sweetener of your choice.
Can I make horchata ahead of time?
Yes! Horchata can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon for garnish?
You can also use a cinnamon stick for garnish or skip the garnish entirely. You could also try a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
Is horchata served hot or cold?
Horchata is typically served cold, over ice, especially in warm weather. However, you can enjoy it warm if you prefer.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make horchata thicker?
To make horchata thicker, use less water or add more rice when blending. You can also adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I freeze horchata?
Yes, you can freeze horchata in an airtight container. However, when thawed, it may separate and require a good stir to reincorporate the ingredients.
Conclusion
Horchata is a delicious, sweet, and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for hot days, family gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something flavorful. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this homemade horchata recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic Mexican drink. Customize it to your taste, serve it cold, and enjoy the rich, smooth flavors of this traditional drink!
Print
Horchata
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (or overnight)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made with rice, cinnamon, and vanilla for a creamy and refreshing flavor. This sweet beverage is perfect for cooling down on hot days or pairing with spicy dishes. Easy to make at home, horchata offers a delicious alternative to sugary sodas and is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Customize it with plant-based milks for a vegan version or add extra spices for a unique twist!
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 cup milk (or almond, coconut, or oat milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
-
Rinse the rice: Wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for a smooth texture.
-
Soak the rice: In a bowl, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water. Soak for 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
-
Blend the mixture: Transfer the rice and soaking water into a blender. Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar. Blend until smooth and the rice is fully broken down.
-
Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the liquid.
-
Add the milk: Stir in the milk and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
-
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk to make horchata dairy-free.
Extra Flavor: Add whole cloves or orange zest to the soaking water for an aromatic twist.
Storage: Store horchata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as it may separate.
Adjusting Sweetness: Taste after adding milk and sugar, and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
