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
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Rinse the rice: Wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for a smooth texture.
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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.
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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.
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Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the liquid.
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Add the milk: Stir in the milk and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
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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
