How to Make the Perfect Non-Alcoholic Horchata
Mexican · Medium · 495 min · 6 servings
A traditional Mexican rice-based drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla for a creamy, naturally sweet flavor. This classic agua fresca is smooth, lightly spiced, and perfect for any occasion.
Why this recipe works
This Non-Alcoholic Horchata recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 495 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 160 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 4 cups water for soaking
- 4 cups cold water for blending
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak Rice and Cinnamon
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice and cinnamon sticks in a large bowl and cover with 4 cups of water. Let the mixture soak at room temperature for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Blend the Soaked Rice
Transfer the soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, and all the soaking liquid into a blender. Blend on high speed for 2 full minutes until the mixture is as smooth as possible and the rice is completely broken down.
Step 3: Strain Thoroughly
Line a fine mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth and set it over a large pitcher. Pour the blended rice mixture through the cheesecloth in batches, squeezing firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the rice solids.
Step 4: Season the Horchata
Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the strained liquid. Stir vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the horchata for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir well before pouring over ice-filled glasses as the drink separates naturally. Dust each glass with a pinch of ground cinnamon before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
- white rice → blanched almonds for a nuttier traditional style
- granulated sugar → maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile
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 that is difficult to strain
- Skipping the cheesecloth and using only a strainer which leaves too much starch and grit in the final drink
- Not stirring before serving which causes the starch to settle and makes the drink uneven in flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 160 calories, 2g protein, 32g carbs, 3g fat, 0g fiber.
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