Horchata Recipe
Traditional Mexican rice drink with cinnamon and vanilla.
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Ingredients
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Rice Mixture
Flavoring
Garnish
Method
Prepare the Rice Mixture
- 1
Rinse the Rice
In a fine mesh strainer, rinse the long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the horchata from becoming too thick.
- 2
Soak the Rice
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and the cinnamon sticks. Let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Blend and Strain
- 3
Blend the Mixture
After soaking, remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer the rice and water mixture to a blender. Blend on high speed until the rice is finely ground and the mixture looks milky.
- 4
Strain the Mixture
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the blended mixture into a large pitcher or bowl, discarding the solid rice particles. This will leave you with a smooth rice milk base.
Add Flavoring
- 5
- 6
Sweeten and Spice
Taste the horchata and add granulated sugar to your liking. If desired, add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon for extra flavor. Mix until fully dissolved.
Serve
- 7
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the horchata for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve it over ice, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top for added flavor.





