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Easy Horchata

Horchata is a simple refreshing drink made from rice, water, cinnamon, nuts and sugar. It is usually served cold and is known to be a Mexican agua fresca (fresh water).

I am knee deep into Mexican recipes with cinco de mayo around the corner and Horchata seemed like the perfect recipe to make. Firstly because it is so simple to prepare, secondly because I had all the ingredients in my kitchen and thirdly because it is cooling and refreshing which fits well with the current heat of Dubai. 

This was my first time making this recipe and I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the preparation process and in the drinking process. Horchata is supposed to have good health benefits as it is high in iron and the freshness is perfect for any hot/humid climate to cool down. Also it is worth mentioning, Horchata was originally from Spain, Valencia, however the one that we are more familiar with is the Mexican style Horchata which is what this recipe is inspired from. 

What ingredients do you need to make Horchata?

Now it is debatable on how to make it and what ingredients to use, I must admit this recipe might not be authentic but it sure is effective and delicious. Here are the ingredients I used:

Rice –

We need raw rice. I have used regular white rice that I had at home. You can use what you have but it must be white and it must be raw. 

Almonds –

This gives the horchata a delicious nutty flavor. I would recommend using cashews or hazelnuts as well if you like. 

Cinnamon –

You need cinnamon sticks and it cannot be skipped. If you don’t have any buy them before you start.

Vanilla –

I would recommend using the best you can find. A good extract will do the job here, you can use vanilla bean paste or a pod as well but essence will not give you the flavor you need. 

Salt –

Trust me, a pinch of salt brings all the flavors alive and makes this taste even better. 

Sweetener –

Now you can use sugar to make this sweet – which is traditional. Or you can use honey/maple syrup as well. I have used condensed milk to sweeten it which is really yummy and adds a little creaminess to the Horchata. Many authentic recipes use it too. 

Liquids –

The rice is blended with water and this is soaked together. Now, I have also used a little milk once it is ready. Some recipes add cream, others add almond milk/nut milks as well. 

What equipment do you need to make Horchata?

We need pan to toast the rice, almonds an cinnamon. I used my smoothie blender to blend the rice and water mixture. Any high speed blender works well. You will need a fine mesh strainer and cheesecloth/tea towel to strain the Horchata. A glass bottle to store it once ready. 

How to make Horchata?

We start by toasting the rice, almonds and cinnamon stick for a few minutes on low heat. Keep stirring it constantly as w don’t want any color on the ingredients and don’t want them to burn. You know its ready when you start to smell the ingredients. Transfer to a high speed blender and pour in 2 cups of water. Blend for 3-5 minutes until the rice mixture is broken up completely. Pour into a large container, add the remaining water, cover and place in the fridge for 2-12 hours. When ready, pour the mixture through a tea towel/cheesecloth over a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out the excess liquid from the rice mixture. I like to do this over a large bowl. Add the milk, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon, stir all until combined and pour into a glass bottle.

How to serve Horchata?

Serve it chilled or over a few ice cubes with a cinnamon stick. Some recipes suggest serving it warm as well. I have tried both and chilled is my preference. I also like to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before filling it with Horchata. If you don’t want to add a whole cinnamon stick, you can dust the top with a little cinnamon powder. It pairs well with pastries, pies, deserts, cakes or breakfast items as well. You can serve it alongside any meal too. 

How to store Horchata?

It should be stored in an air tight glass bottle/container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure no hands/fingers the drink directly as this will affect the shelf life of the horchata. If you are not sure whether it is ok to consume, make sure to open the lid and smell it. If it smells sour/rancid then you know it needs to be thrown out. 

Now that we have covered how to make Easy Horchata, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration. 

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.  

Easy Horchata

Horchata is a simple refreshing drink made from rice, water, cinnamon, nuts and sugar. It is usually served cold and is known to be a Mexican agua fresca (fresh water).
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Rest Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Drinks, High Tea, Sweet tooth
Cuisine Mexican, Spanish
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Blender
  • Strainer
  • Cheesecloth/Tea towel
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 2 tbsp almonds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • We start by toasting the rice, almonds and cinnamon stick for a few minutes on low heat. Keep stirring it constantly as w don’t want any color on the ingredients and don’t want them to burn. You know its ready when you start to smell the ingredients.
  • Transfer to a high speed blender and pour in 2 cups of water. Blend for 3-5 minutes until the rice mixture is broken up completely.
  • Pour into a large container, add the remaining water, cover and place in the fridge for 2-12 hours.
  • When ready, pour the mixture through a tea towel/cheesecloth over a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out the excess liquid from the rice mixture. I like to do this over a large bowl. Discard the broke rice, cinnamon and almond mixture.
  • Add the milk, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon, stir all until combined and pour into a glass bottle.
  • Serve it chilled or over a few ice cubes with a cinnamon stick. Some recipes suggest serving it warm as well.

Notes

  • Toast the rice, almonds and cinnamon stick to get more flavor.
  • Take your time and blend the mixture. If your blender is heating up, switch it off and give it a break for a minute before starting again.
  • Allow the mixture to rest for minimum 2 hours (ideally overnight) in the fridge for maximum flavor.

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