Imagine sipping on a refreshing, creamy drink that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico—welcome to the world of Homemade Horchata! This traditional Mexican rice drink is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a delightful experience that combines the warmth of cinnamon and the nuttiness of almond milk in every sip. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique addition to your next gathering, this horchata recipe is easy to make and will leave your guests asking for more. Get ready to impress with a beverage that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy!
Prep Time: 4 hrs
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring the water runs clear.
- In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice with the cinnamon stick and 2 cups of water. Cover and let the mixture soak at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to soften the rice and extract maximum flavor.
- After soaking, discard the cinnamon stick and transfer the rice and soaking water to a blender. Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the rice is completely broken down and forms a smooth, milky liquid.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the rice solids.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of water, almond milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the strained rice liquid. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
- Refrigerate the horchata for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, stir well and pour over ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
- Store any remaining horchata in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, stirring before serving.
Tips
- Soak for Flavor: For the best flavor, soak the rice overnight. This allows the rice to soften and enhances the extraction of flavors during blending.
- Straining is Key: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure your horchata is smooth and free of any gritty texture. Press down gently to extract every last drop of that delicious liquid.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Taste your horchata before serving! Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or even trying alternatives like honey or agave syrup.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow your horchata to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes it extra refreshing when served over ice.
- Garnish for Flair: For an appealing presentation, garnish your horchata with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick in each glass before serving.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
