Description
A creamy, spiced, and refreshing traditional Mexican horchata made with toasted cinnamon sticks and rice. This easy-to-make batch drink is perfect for celebrations, parties, or pairing with spicy foods.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 4 cups hot water (for soaking)
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups cold water (for blending)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra kick)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Ice cubes
- Extra cinnamon stick for garnish
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Toast the cinnamon sticks in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Do not burn. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, hot water, and toasted cinnamon sticks. Stir well and let soak at room temperature for 30-60 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge if using cold water).
- Pour the entire mixture (rice, water, and cinnamon sticks) into a high-speed blender. Add vanilla extract and half of the sugar. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and milky white.
- Place a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a large pitcher or bowl. Pour the blended mixture into the bag and squeeze gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the rice pulp.
- Taste the horchata. Add the remaining sugar, and condensed milk or cream if using. Adjust consistency with more cold water if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and meld flavors.
- Stir well before serving to redistribute settled rice sediment. Pour over ice in tall glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Notes
Toast the cinnamon sticks to unlock essential oils and enhance flavor. Use cold water for dilution to keep the drink refreshing. Stir well before serving as rice sediment settles. Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze as texture may separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: horchata, mexican drink, festive drink, rice drink, cinnamon drink, party drink, non-alcoholic, gluten-free, dairy-free option