Honeydew Horchata
Quench your thirst with the refreshing twist of Honeydew Horchata, a creamy, melon-infused spin on the classic Mexican beverage. This recipe combines the delicate sweetness of ripe honeydew melon with the silkiness of rice milk and a hint of warm cinnamon for a uniquely refreshing treat. Sweetened condensed milk adds richness, while a splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor, creating a perfectly balanced drink. Whether you opt for whole milk or a dairy-free almond milk substitute, this customizable horchata is ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day or impressing guests at your next gathering. Easy to prepare and naturally sweetened to taste, Honeydew Horchata is your go-to beverage for a vibrant, homemade alternative to store-bought drinks.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 2 cups honeydew melon (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of honeydew)
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
Rinse the white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and the cinnamon stick. Let this mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to infuse the flavors.
After soaking, remove the cinnamon stick. Transfer the soaked rice and water mixture to a blender, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the rice is broken down and the liquid turns white.
Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove any solids. If desired, strain again for a smoother texture.
In a separate blender, blend the honeydew melon until smooth. If the melon is not blending well, add a few tablespoons of water to help it along.
Strain the blended honeydew melon through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with the rice milk to remove any pulpy bits.
Stir the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk (or almond milk), and vanilla extract into the rice milk and honeydew mixture. Taste the horchata and adjust the sweetness by adding sugar if needed, depending on the ripeness of your honeydew melon.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve over ice cubes in individual glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy your Honeydew Horchata!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.2 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 505 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.3 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 169.9 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.5 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 1113 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 2360 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
