Description
A rich, velvety homemade horchata recipe that captures the authentic flavor of traditional Mexican cantinas. This easy drink requires only five main ingredients and minimal active prep time for a refreshing, creamy beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) white long-grain rice
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks (about 10g)
- 4 cups (950ml) water for soaking
- 2 cups (480ml) fresh water for blending
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole milk recommended, or coconut/almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 vanilla bean (scraped) or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ to ¾ cup (100-150g) granulated sugar
- Ice for serving
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk
- Optional: Cinnamon powder for garnish
Instructions
- Place the white rice and cinnamon sticks in a large bowl. Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (8-12 hours).
- Pour the soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water into a blender. Add 2 cups of fresh water and sugar.
- If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds and add them to the blender. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is milky, white, and smooth with no visible rice grains.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag over a large pitcher or bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer.
- Press down on the rice pulp with a spoon or squeeze the nut milk bag firmly to extract all the creamy liquid. Discard the pulp.
- Stir the milk into the strained rice water. If using vanilla extract, add it now. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness with more sugar or water as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill, or serve immediately over ice.
- Pour over ice in tall glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle of cinnamon powder.
Notes
Do not use brown rice, jasmine, or basmati rice as they do not provide the correct creamy texture. Do not use ground cinnamon as it makes the drink gritty. The drink may separate in the fridge; stir well before serving. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: horchata, Mexican drink, creamy horchata, homemade horchata, rice drink, summer drinks, gluten-free drink, dairy-free option