Description
This authentic homemade traditional horchata recipe is a creamy, sweet Mexican rice drink blended with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. It's the perfect cooling refreshment for warm weather and a great non-dairy alternative. Learn how to make horchata at home using simple pantry ingredients with this easy step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cups water (for soaking)
2 cups water (for blending)
1 cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes, for serving
Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain.
In a large bowl, combine rice, cinnamon sticks, and 4 cups water. Soak overnight (or at least 6–8 hours).
Remove cinnamon sticks and blend the rice with the soaking water until smooth.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher.
Stir in milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and the remaining 2 cups of water. Mix well until sugar dissolves.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Serve over ice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a vegan version.
You can adjust sugar based on preference.
A second strain may be needed for a smoother texture.
Best served cold and consumed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages, Drinks
- Method: No-cook, Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 35mg