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+ servings
overhead shot of two drinking glasses filled with ice cubes and horchata, and garnished with a cinnamon stick

The Best Horchata

Katerina | Diethood
My version of the beloved Horchata recipe includes rice, almonds, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. Quick to prepare, it's refreshing and so delicious!
Servings : 12
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • ½ cup chopped or sliced almonds,
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, or use 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • cup granulated sugar, or your choice of substitute sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups milk, you can also use oat milk or nut milk
  • Ice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine rice, almonds, and cinnamon sticks in a high powered blender; pour in about ¼ cup water and blend until mixture is ground.
  • Pour in 2 cups water, add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to blend until combined, about 30 seconds. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or container; add in the remaining water and milk.
  • Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready, using a fine mesh or cheese cloth, strain the mixture into a pitcher. Stir it well, and serve over ice.

Notes

  • For a creamier horchata, increase milk and reduce water.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer to remove any rice residue for a smoother texture.
  • Create a strawberry horchata (horchifresa) by blending strawberries after soaking.
  • Change up horchata with coffee by adding ground coffee to the soaking mix or using cooled espresso instead of some water.

Nutrition

Calories: 159 kcal | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 4 mg | Sodium: 23 mg | Potassium: 110 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 14 g | Vitamin A: 68 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 71 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Drinks/Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: agua de horchata, homemade horchata