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).
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.