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Homemade Horchata, a traditional Mexican rice drink with cinnamon and vanilla.

Horchata

A refreshing and creamy Mexican rice drink flavored with cinnamon and sweetened to taste, perfect for hot days and pairing with spicy meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup long grain white rice Rinsed before soaking
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick Alternatively, use 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups water For soaking and blending, plus more to adjust the consistency
For Sweetening
  • 1 to 2 cups milk Can use regular, evaporated, or dairy free milk
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar Start with less and add to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt Balances flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice until the water is less cloudy, to keep flavor clean.
  2. Soak the rice with the cinnamon stick in 2 cups of water for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge.
Blending & Straining
  1. Pour the soaked rice, cinnamon, and soaking water into a blender. Add 2 more cups of fresh water and blend well until smooth.
  2. Set a fine mesh strainer over a big bowl or pitcher, lining it with cheesecloth if available. Pour the blended mixture slowly, stirring gently if it clogs.
Sweetening & Serving
  1. Stir in sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk. Adjust sweetness and consistency as needed.
  2. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving over ice. Stir before serving to redistribute settled ingredients.

Notes

Store in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as it settles. Taste after chilling, as flavors balance out when cold.