Horchata Recipe – Mexican Special
This Mexican Horchata Recipe is a beloved, creamy rice drink perfect for warm days. It blends long-grain rice soaked with fragrant cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, milk (or your favorite dairy alternative), and sugar to create a sweet, refreshing beverage. Served over ice, this horchata brings a cooling comfort that pairs beautifully with spicy food or barbecued favorites. A simple, traditional agua fresca that becomes a family favorite.
- Prep Time10 min
- Perform Time8 hr
- Total Time8 hr 10 min
Horchata Ingredients :
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 5 cups water (divided)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ice (for serving)
How to make Horchata :
Rinse the Rice:Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
Soak the Rice:In a blender, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Blend until the rice is coarsely ground (about 30 seconds).
Pour the mixture into a bowl or pitcher and add the remaining 3 cups of water. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Strain the Mixture:After soaking, strain the rice-water mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. Press down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Add Ingredients:To the strained liquid, add the milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Chill and Serve:Refrigerate the horchata until cold. Serve over ice and sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
Recipe Notes :
Soaking time: Let rice soak for at least 4–8 hours (or overnight) to extract maximum flavor.
Cinnamon use: Use whole cinnamon sticks for a richer taste; ground cinnamon works in a pinch.
Sweetness level: Adjust the amount of sugar (or choose alternative sweeteners) to suit your preference.
Milk options: For a lighter or dairy-free version, try using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Straining carefully: Use fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove rice bits and ensure smooth texture.
Chill well: Refrigerate thoroughly before serving and always serve over ice for best refreshment.
