Homemade horchata is an easy kid friendly drink recipe to make at home that is way better than the powdered stuff.
It’s best to make it a day ahead…but I will admit I never seem to remember to do it that far ahead. The longer it sits the better it tastes. If you have more than 3-4 people you’ll be serving this to, make a double batch. It won’t last, I promise.
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What is horchata?
Horchata refers to a drink made from ground seeds, spices, and milk that is slightly sweet and white in appearance. The ingredients used to make horchata will vary depending on which Latin American country you are in.
Some countries like Spain use tiger nuts, in El Salvador they use morro seeds, and in Nicaragua and Honduras they use jicaro seeds which are ground with the rice. Some countries may also add nutmeg, cocoa, or sesame seeds.
This version of horchata is a cinnamon, rice, and milk drink that can be found in most Mexican restaurants.
Ingredients you need:
- rice
- cinnamon sticks
- water
- milk
- vanilla extract
- sugar
You can make this with whatever milk works best for you. I’ve made it with regular milk in the past but have recently switched to using almond milk.
We really like using Mexican vanilla for this drink which has a slightly different flavor than regular vanilla. You can find it at most Latin supermarkets. For a whiter horchata, use a clear vanilla.
How To Make Horchata:
- Put rice, 3 cups water, and cinnamon sticks in blender. Blend for about 1 minute to break up the rice and cinnamon sticks.
- Transfer rice water mixture to a large pitcher or allow to sit in the blender add as much of the remaining water as you can. Let mixture soak overnight, or at least 3 to 4 hours.
- Strain rice mixture through a double layer of cheese cloth (or coffee filter) into another pitcher or a large liquid measuring cup.
- Add the remaining water, milk, vanilla, and sugar and stir well. If desired, refrigerate until well chilled.
- Serve in tall glasses with ice.
Tips and Tricks
If you would like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add additional cinnamon sticks to the blender when blending. You can also add 3/4 to 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the finished drink but be aware that it doesn’t mix in well and may clump slightly.
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Homemade Horchata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups white long grain rice uncooked
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 2/3 cups water
- 1 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract use clear vanilla for a whiter horchata
- 2/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Put rice, 3 cups water, and cinnamon sticks in blender. Blend for about 1 minute to break up the rice and cinnamon sticks.
- Transfer rice water mixture to a large pitcher or allow to sit in the blender add as much of the remaining water as you can. Let mixture soak overnight, or at least 3 to 4 hours.
- Strain rice mixture through a double layer of cheese cloth (or coffee filter) into another pitcher or a large liquid measuring cup.
- Add the remaining water, milk, vanilla, and sugar and stir well. If desired, refrigerate until well chilled.
- Serve in with ice, if desired.
Love how simple this horchata recipe is to make! Such a yummy drink.
This is so warm and comforting. I love having it before bed.
You never cease to amaze me, Jade! I love you dearly and am glad we are family!! Love, G’ma Mc