Horchata

Horchata, a creamy and comforting Mexican drink, is a staple in many Latin American households. This sweet and soothing beverage is made with rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, blended together to create a velvety texture and a delicious flavor that’s perfect for warm weather or any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 4 cups long-grain rice
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup vanilla extract
• 2 cups water

Instructions

Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain well. Place the rice in a large bowl and cover it with water, making sure the water level is at least an inch above the rice.

Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.

After the soaking time has passed, drain the water and blend the rice in a blender or food processor until it’s well broken down and the mixture is smooth. Strain the blended rice mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.

Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the rice mixture, discarding the solids.

Add the cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract to the liquid and stir well to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

After the chilling time has passed, strain the liquid again through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another bowl, discarding the cinnamon sticks and any remaining solids.

Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the liquid and stir well to combine. Chill the horchata in the refrigerator until cold before serving.

Pour the horchata into glasses and serve cold.

You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use a high-powered blender or food processor to break down the rice, as this will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Make sure to squeeze as much liquid as possible from the rice mixture, as this will help to achieve the right consistency.

If you prefer a stronger or weaker cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sticks to your taste.

You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the horchata, if desired.

To make the horchata more festive, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few sliced almonds.

You can store the horchata in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best consumed within a day for optimal flavor and texture.

If you want a creamier horchata, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to the liquid before serving.

Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give the horchata a unique twist.

Keep in mind that the horchata will thicken slightly as it chills, so you may want to adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 2g