Atole de Arroz (Rice Atole)

Name: Atole de Arroz (Rice Atole)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup long grain white rice; 4 1/2 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 1/2 tsp vanilla; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 6 1/2 cups milk; 2 tbsp cornstarch ((optional)); 2 tbsp water ((optional) to dissolve cornstarch))

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Atole de Arroz is a rich and creamy drink that is so good. Next time you’re looking for something to warm you up from the cold, remember this drink!

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Atole de arroz served in a mug with a piece of whole cinnamon on top. — Atole de Arroz

Atole de Arroz is cozy goodness in a cup.

Made with simple ingredients and incredibly easy-to-make.

Similar to Atole de Avena and Atole de Guayaba, these warm drinks only come out in the winter months and cold days.

Make a big pot of this Mexican hot drink. You and your loved ones will love every sip!

Ingredients

Long Grain White Rice – do not use brown rice or sushi rice.
Water – Here, we’re using it to cook rice AND to soak rice.
Cinnamon Stick will add warmth and spice. Also consider adding a star anise or a couple of cloves.
Sweetened Condensed Milk will sweeten the drink. Swap out for piloncillo or sugar.
Vanilla adds depth and flavor.
whole milk – To make this recipe completely vegan, use soy milk, almond milk, or a mixture of the two.
cornstarch is optional and used to make a really thick atole.

Consider adding more flavor to the rice atole by including an orange or lemon peel for a citrus twist. Or, try adding a couple of whole cloves and a star anise.

As you can see, this recipe is VERY similar to arroz con leche but milkier.

Instructions

A cinnamon stick boiling in a stock pot.

Bring water and cinnamon to a boil.
Add the rice. Lower the heat to medium low for 20 minutes.

Cover the pot while you are boiling the cinnamon tea. That way, the water does not evaporate.

The rice needs to cook on medium low to absorb the cinnamon flavor. Don’t cook it on high, or you will burn the rice.

We are looking for a low boil.

Blending white rice with water in a food processor.

Soak 1/4 cup of rice in 1 cup of water.
Then blend the soaking rice with its water.
Once it is blended, strain and add the mixture into the pot.

If you need more liquid, add a little water or add some of the milk.

Adding vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and milk in a stockpot on a burner.

Add vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, and milk.
Turn up to medium heat.

Stir from time to time, or it will stick to the bottom of the pot.

Use a large pot. Everything happens in one big pot.

To Make a Really Thick Atole

Mixing water with cornstarch to thicken the Mexican drink.

Before it starts to boil again, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water.
Add the mixture to the pot. Let it boil and thicken.
Remove the cinnamon before serving.

This step is completely OPTIONAL.

Cornstarch helps to thicken the drink, but we don’t need a lot since the rice will thicken naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rinse rice?

Rinsing rice removes starches and prevents it from becoming gummy. You can rinse the rice if you want to, but it’s not necessary to make this recipe.

Is atole de arroz gluten-free?

Yes, this creamy beverage is gluten-free.

What type of rice can I use?

Long grain white rice is what I prefer. It’s starchy and perfect for this drink. Another good choice is arborio rice.

Storing:

Place any leftovers in an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat:

To reheat, pour the atole in a small stock pot and cook on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to stir, or it will stick to the pot.

Please note: The atole will thicken the longer it sits in the fridge. You might need to add some milk to reheat.

More Mexican Atole recipes:

This traditional Mexican beverage is something to savor and enjoy.

Once it is ready, serve the atole de arroz with tamales, buñuelos, or half a dozen pan de polvo. ¡Buen provecho!

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