Traditional Horchata
Dive into the authentic, creamy world of *Traditional Horchata* with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the beloved Mexican drink straight to your kitchen. Made with long-grain white rice, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this refreshing beverage is perfectly sweetened and balanced with whole milk for a velvety finish. The secret lies in soaking the rice and cinnamon to extract their deep, aromatic flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying drink that tastes like a hug in a glass. Ideal for serving over ice, this horchata is a cooling treat on warm days or a delightful complement to spicy meals. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to elevate both the flavor and presentation. Whether you’re exploring traditional drinks or craving something comforting and nostalgic, this homemade horchata is sure to deliver.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Place the rinsed rice and cinnamon stick in a blender. Add 2 cups of water and blend until the rice breaks down slightly (about 1 minute).
Pour the rice mixture into a large bowl, add the remaining 2 cups of water, and let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to soften.
After soaking, strain the rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another bowl, discarding the rice and cinnamon solids. Make sure to press or squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
To the strained liquid, add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Taste the horchata and adjust sweetness if necessary, adding a little more sugar if desired.
Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour to chill. Before serving, stir well as the rice sediment may settle to the bottom.
To serve, pour the horchata over ice cubes in individual glasses. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.4 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 29 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 125 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 170.9 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 112.4 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 411 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 459 mg | 10% | |
*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.
