I grew up in Albuquerque, so I have a deep love of Mexican food. With Cinco de Mayo coming up, I’ve been in the mood for some horchata! The funny thing is the first time I tried horchata was actually after I moved to Idaho when I was in college. It’s so delicious! It’s definitely one of my favorite drinks. If you’ve never had it, it’s a rice drink with a hint of cinnamon. It’s yummy!
This drink is easy peasy to make, but it does take a little bit of time. If you want to serve it on Cinco de Mayo, be sure to start it the night before!
Horchata
serves 8
2 C uncooked white rice
8 C water
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 C milk
2/3 C brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Put the rice, cinnamon sticks and water in a pitcher and let it soak overnight. At least 8-10 hours. I’ve soaked it longer and it just helps intensify the cinnamon flavor.
After it has had a good soak, pour the contents of the pitcher into a blender. Add the ground cinnamon and blend really well. After it’s blended, it needs to be strained. I actually found the easiest way for me is to let the horchata sit in the blender for 10 minutes. Most of the solids left will float to the bottom and it’s easier to pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer .
After it’s strained, pour the mixture into a pitcher. Add the milk, vanilla and brown sugar and mix it really well with a large spoon. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
2busy says
That actually sounds really yummy! I’ve never tried it…
Nikki says
This sounds interested. I love cinnamon anything so i bet it would be yummy. It looks like it’s a little thicker? I wanna try it!!
Nikki
Shatzi Webster says
Hi Nikki! It’s actually not thick at all. It’s about the same consistency as milk. =)
The Thriftiness Miss says
Yummy! I’ve seen this made on the Food Network and it always sounds good.. Like a liquified rice pudding.. Which I love :)
Janice says
I have it soaking right now. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow. Thanks so much.
Paula S. says
Do you use cooked or uncooked rice? Looking for ways to use left-over Chinese takeout…. :-)
Shatzi Webster says
Uncooked rice. I’ll update the recipe to say that. =) Sorry about that!
Paula S. says
Thanks! We usually use our Chinese rice leftovers to make rice pudding with raisins, but I love horchata. Thank you for the recipe!
Anonymous says
I love horchata but had no idea I could make it so easily myself! Do you take out the cinnamon sticks before blending it? That’s probably a stupid question but I just want to make sure!