How to Make the Perfect Agua de Horchata Mexican Rice Drink
Mexican · Easy · 490 min · 6 servings
Agua de Horchata is a beloved traditional Mexican rice drink made by soaking rice and cinnamon overnight then blending and straining into a creamy, lightly spiced beverage. This classic horchata recipe is sweet, refreshing, and perfectly paired with spicy Mexican food.
Why this recipe works
This Agua de Horchata Mexican Rice Drink recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 490 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 4 cups cold water divided
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak Rice and Cinnamon
Rinse the rice well then place it in a bowl with cinnamon sticks and 2 cups of water. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften the rice completely.
Step 2: Blend the Mixture
Transfer the soaked rice, cinnamon, and soaking water to a blender. Blend on high for 2 full minutes until the mixture is very smooth and milky.
Step 3: Strain Thoroughly
Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press firmly to extract all the liquid. Discard the rice solids.
Step 4: Sweeten and Serve
Stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves. Serve over ice and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white rice → blanched almonds blended with rice for a richer and creamier horchata texture
- granulated sugar → condensed milk for an extra creamy and sweet traditional variation
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking the rice long enough which results in a grainy texture and the rice not blending into a smooth milky liquid
- Skipping the cheesecloth lining in the strainer which allows fine rice particles to pass through and create a gritty drink
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 2g protein, 26g carbs, 1g fat, 0g fiber.
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