How to Make the Perfect Agua de Horchata con Coco
Mexican · Easy · 240 min · 6 servings
This creamy coconut horchata agua fresca blends toasted rice with rich coconut milk for a refreshing Mexican drink bursting with tropical flavor. A classic agua fresca recipe elevated with cinnamon and vanilla for a naturally sweet and dairy-free beverage.
Why this recipe works
This Agua de Horchata con Coco recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 240 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 180 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 4 cups cold water
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak the Rice
Place the white rice in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of warm water. Let the rice soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften the grains and release starch for a creamy texture.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Drain the soaked rice and transfer to a blender with coconut milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend on high for 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Strain and Dilute
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing gently to extract all liquid. Stir in 4 cups of cold water and taste for sweetness.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the agua fresca for at least 30 minutes. Stir well before serving over ice and garnish each glass with a pinch of ground cinnamon on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- granulated sugar → agave nectar for a lower glycemic sweetener
- long grain white rice → brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking the rice long enough which results in a gritty texture instead of a smooth creamy drink
- Skipping the straining step which leaves rice particles in the agua fresca and creates an unpleasant mouthfeel
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 180 calories, 2g protein, 32g carbs, 6g fat, 1g fiber.
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