Horchata Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
Horchata Recipe
Description
This Horchata Recipe begins by rinsing white rice, then soaking it alongside blanched almonds and a cassia cinnamon stick in half the water for several hours, often overnight. After soaking, the mixture is blended with the remaining water to thoroughly combine and break down ingredients. The blended slurry is then carefully strained multiple times to achieve a smooth, grit-free drink. Dairy elements—whole milk and evaporated milk—are mixed in along with granulated sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness and creaminess.
The final drink has a milky texture with delicate almond and cinnamon notes balanced by subtle sweetness. Ground cinnamon sprinkled on top reinforces the spice profile on each serving. Served chilled over ice, horchata is revitalizing and commonly enjoyed as a complement to spicy or savory meals.
Substitutions include using dairy-free milk alternatives for vegan versions or omitting almonds for nut-free preferences. Sweetened condensed milk can replace granulated sugar to enhance creaminess and sweetness. Cinnamon sticks labeled as Ceylon or Mexican cinnamon bring a milder spice character compared to the harder Cassia variety, which should be removed before blending if used.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- ½ cup almonds blanched, slivered
- 1 cassia cinnamon stick broken in half (also known as Ceylon cinnamon, Mexican
- 6 cups water divided
- 3 cups milk whole
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- ½ - ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rinsed rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, and 3 cups of water to a large bowl or pitcher. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Pour the bowl of ingredients into a large blender and add in the 3 cups of remaining water. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 2 to 5 minutes depending on the power of your blender. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your blender.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag to remove any solids. This may require straining 2 to 4 times to remove all the grittiness.
- When completely smooth, pour it into a large pitcher and mix in the milk, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve over ice and top with ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Use Ceylon (Mexican) cinnamon sticks for a softer, layered flavor; remove cinnamon before blending if using other types.
- If the horchata separates after refrigeration, stir well before serving to recombine ingredients.
- Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat for a dairy-free version.
- Omit almonds to make nut-free horchata; no replacement is needed as the flavor will be milder.
- Replace granulated sugar with sweetened condensed milk for a richer, creamier sweetened drink.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 287 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 287kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 91mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 340mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 252IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 256mg | 26% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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