Refreshing Homemade Traditional Horchata Recipe
This Refreshing Homemade Traditional Horchata Recipe is a creamy, dairy-free Mexican rice drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfectly chilled for hot days, this authentic beverage delivers sweet comfort and tradition in every sip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage / Drink
- Method: No-cook, blended, refrigerated
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
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2 cups water (for soaking)
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2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
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1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
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Pinch of salt
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Additional 2 cups cold water (for blending/thinning)
Instructions
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Soak rice & cinnamon: Combine rice, cinnamon stick, and 2 cups of water in a bowl. Soak overnight or at least 6 hours.
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Blend: Transfer mixture to a blender. Blend until the rice and cinnamon are finely ground.
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Strain: Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain into a pitcher.
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Mix: Add milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, and 2 more cups of water. Stir well.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving over ice.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, use sweetened condensed milk (reduce sugar accordingly).
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To enhance flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or a splash of cold brew coffee.
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Can be made vegan by using almond or oat milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg