Horchata (agua de horchata)

Horchata served in a glass with ice and a metal straw.

4.98 from 37 votes

Get ready for a taste of Mexico with this easy, authentic horchata recipe. Made from rice, cinnamon and sugar. You gotta give this sweet drink a try!

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time8 10

Course: Drink

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: cups

Calories: 176kcal

Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

2 cups white rice (long grain)
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups hot water (for soaking)
1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 cups water (to make drink)
¾ cup sugar
Ice (for serving)

Instructions

Place the rice, cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of hot water in a large bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.
Overnight is best, or 8 hours minimum.
When ready, add the soaking mixture (rice, cinnamon, and water) into a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Strain into a bowl.
Add the liquid into a large pitcher.
Add the milk, vanilla, the rest of the water, and sugar to the pitcher.
Stir and taste for good measure.
Chill in the refrigerator.
Stir well before serving over ice.

Notes

Stir the horchata before serving. The rice likes to settle on the bottom.

To make this recipe vegan, use almond milk or coconut milk.

Swap out for brown rice for a nuttier flavor.

Sugar Alternatives:

For a creamier texture, use sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar. Use artificial sweeteners like Stevia and monk fruit. Or maple syrup or honey work well too.

Nutrition