Homemade Horchata
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup uncooked Mahatma® Enriched Long Grain White Rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 (14 ounces) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Ice, for serving
- Ground cinnamon, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
This version of Horchata has taken the traditional variety made with rice, water and cinnamon and added a sweet, rich and creamy texture that is incredibly delicious and addicting. Made by Olivia Mesquita on her blog Olivia’s Cuisine.
Step 1
Place the rice on a fine-mesh sieve and rinse until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a large bowl and add the cinnamon with 1 quart (4 cups) of cold water. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
Step 2
Transfer the soaked rice with the cinnamon sticks and water into the jar of a high-speed blender. Blend until as smooth as possible.
Step 3
Place a cheesecloth (or a fine-mesh sieve) over a pitcher and strain the liquid so all the solid bits stay behind.
Step 4
Stir in the evaporated milk, sweet condensed milk, salt, vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using)
Step 5
You can serve immediately, over ice, or chill for a couple of hours until ready to serve. If desired, garnish with ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks.
Dairy Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy free option, this recipe for Quick and Easy Horchata skips the cream and dairy products, so everyone can enjoy.
Cheesecloth vs. Fine-mesh sieve
In her blog, Olivia recommends using a cheesecloth for a smoother drink. If all you have is a fine-mesh sieve, we would recommend straining the horchata at least twice to make sure you get all the ground pieces of rice and cinnamon.
Serving
While you can pour your freshly made horchata over ice and enjoy it right away, it can also be chilled for 1 or 2 hours so it’s even more refreshing. Just make sure to give it a good stir as some of the starch will sink to the bottom as it sits in the fridge.
Recipe Video
Creamy Horchata
Horchata is a rice-based delicacy that has traditionally been enjoyed throughout history as a way to cool down from the heat or simply as a refreshing drink. Although the traditional Mexican-style variety uses rice, water and cinnamon, this version gives the horchata a delicious, rich and full creamy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
In order to make this the best horchata yet, you’ll need to start with quality rice, we suggest using Non-GMO Project Verified Mahatma® White Rice as it gives the drink a great authentic flavor.
Restaurant-style Homemade
Now you can make your favorite restaurant-style horchata drink to accompany your favorite spicy tacos, Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot, or a burrito rice bowl. Make it ahead of time and have chilled for your next Taco Tuesday get together or family event.
Other Meal Inspiration
For another sweet treat, check out this coconut rice pudding recipe. Looking for some more dessert inspo? Take a look at our: How to make arroz con leche.
