Homemade Horchata Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak the Rice

   Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in a bowl with 2 cups of fresh water for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.

2. 2

   Blend the Rice

   After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a blender. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and the cinnamon stick. Blend until the rice is finely ground, about 1-2 minutes.

3. 3

   Strain the Mixture

   Pour the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

4. 4

   Add Sweetness and Flavor

   To the strained liquid, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If desired, you can also add milk for a creamier texture.

5. 5

   Chill and Serve

   Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour to chill. Serve over ice and enjoy. Stir before serving, as the mixture may separate.