Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup white rice; 4 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sugar; 2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free); Ice cubes for serving

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Horchata is a traditional Mexican beverage known for its sweet, creamy, and refreshing qualities. Made from rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar, this drink offers a delightful way to cool down, especially when paired with spicy dishes.Allrecipes+4Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+4Tastes Better From Scratch+4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: Captures the traditional taste of Mexican horchata, providing a genuine cultural experience.Epicurious
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it accessible and easy to prepare.
Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect as a standalone refreshment or as a complement to your favorite Mexican meals.A Cozy Kitchen+4Tastes Better From Scratch+4Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+4

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked long-grain white riceAllrecipes+6Tastes Better From Scratch+6Isabel Eats+6
2 cinnamon sticksEpicurious+6Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+6Villa Cocina+6
4 cups waterSimply Recipes+3Tastes Better From Scratch+3Isabel Eats+3
1 cup whole milkFood Network+2Simply Recipes+2Isabel Eats+2
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
½ to ¾ cup granulated sugar, to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extractIsabel Eats
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)Food & Wine+7Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+7A Cozy Kitchen+7

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a colander and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes
Soak Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon sticks, and 4 cups of water. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Blend Mixture: After soaking, transfer the rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water to a blender. Blend until the rice and cinnamon are finely ground.
Strain Liquid: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.Tastes Better From Scratch
Add Milks and Flavorings: Stir in the whole milk, evaporated milk, sugar (adjusting to your desired sweetness), and vanilla extract until well combined.Isabel Eats
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the horchata until thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.A Cozy Kitchen+3Isabel Eats+3Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+3

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutesAllrecipes+4Isabel Eats+4Simply Recipes+4
Inactive Soaking Time: 4 hours to overnight
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute whole milk and evaporated milk with almond milk or rice milk for a lactose-free version.
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of blanched almonds to the rice and cinnamon soaking mixture for an extra layer of flavor.A Cozy Kitchen+5Food Network+5Reddit+5
Sweetener Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with sweetened condensed milk for added richness, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the horchata refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Horchata is traditionally served cold. If it separates during storage, simply stir or shake well before serving.Villa Cocina+4Muy Delish | Authentic Mexican Recipes+4Allrecipes+4

FAQs

What is horchata made from?

Horchata is a traditional Mexican beverage made from soaked and blended rice, water, milk, cinnamon, and sweeteners.Allrecipes+4Isabel Eats+4Villa Cocina+4

Is horchata dairy-free?

Traditional horchata contains dairy. However, it can be made dairy-free by substituting cow’s milk with plant-based milks like almond or rice milk.

How long should I soak the rice and cinnamon?

For optimal flavor extraction, it’s recommended to soak the rice and cinnamon sticks for at least 4 hours, but soaking overnight yields the best results.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?

Yes, if cinnamon sticks are unavailable, you can use ground cinnamon. However, using sticks provides a cleaner flavor and easier straining process.

How sweet is horchata?

The sweetness of horchata can be adjusted to personal preference by varying the amount of sugar or sweetener used.

Is horchata served hot or cold?

Horchata is traditionally served cold over ice, making it a refreshing beverage, especially in warm weather.Food & Wine+6Allrecipes+6Isabel Eats+6

Can I add alcohol to horchata?

Yes, adding a splash of rum or brandy can create a delightful adult version of horchata.

How long does homemade horchata last?

When stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, homemade horchata can last up to 3 days.

Why did my horchata separate?

Separation is natural. Simply stir or shake the horchata well before serving to recombine the ingredients.Tastes Better From Scratch

Can I use brown rice to make horchata?

While traditional recipes use white rice, brown rice can be used but may result in a different flavor and texture.Isabel Eats+1Food Network+1

Conclusion

Horchata offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and cinnamon-infused sweetness, making it a cherished beverage in Mexican cuisine. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this refreshing drink. Whether served alongside a spicy meal or enjoyed on its own, horchata is sure to provide a satisfying and culturally rich experience.