How to Make the Perfect Horchata
Mexican · Easy · 10 min · 6 servings
This sweet and creamy Mexican rice drink is one of the most popular beverages kids reach for at any Mexican restaurant or celebration. Cool refreshing and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla it is a delightful kid friendly drink that is simple to make at home.
Why this recipe works
This Horchata recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 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 uncooked
- 4 cups water divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak the Rice
Place dry uncooked rice in a blender with 2 cups of warm water. Let the rice soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to soften it and make blending much easier.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend the soaked rice and water on high speed for 2 full minutes until the mixture is as smooth and milky as possible. The water should turn a creamy white color.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher pressing to extract all the liquid. Discard the rice solids left behind.
Step 4: Mix and Chill
Add remaining 2 cups of water whole milk sugar vanilla and cinnamon to the pitcher. Stir vigorously until the sugar dissolves completely. Refrigerate for 1 hour and serve over ice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → almond milk or oat milk for a dairy free version kids enjoy equally
- white sugar → condensed milk for an ultra creamy sweetened version popular with kids
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blending long enough leaving gritty rice bits that make the drink unpleasant to drink
- Skipping the straining step which leaves chunky rice solids that ruin the smooth creamy texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 180 calories, 2g protein, 34g carbs, 3g fat, 0g fiber.
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