Refreshing Homemade Traditional Horchata Recipe
This Refreshing Homemade Traditional Horchata Recipe blends rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk into a smooth, creamy drink. Perfect for hot days or as a sweet, dairy-free treat, this authentic Mexican horchata is easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it delivers maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (including soaking)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages, Traditional Drinks
- Method: Blended, No-Cook, Soaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cinnamon sticks
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4 cups water (for soaking)
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2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free version)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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Pinch of salt
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Ice cubes (for serving)
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Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
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Combine rinsed rice and cinnamon sticks with 4 cups of water. Soak overnight (or at least 6 hours).
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Blend the soaked mixture (including cinnamon sticks) until smooth.
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Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a pitcher.
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Stir in milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
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Chill before serving over ice. Garnish with ground cinnamon if desired.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, use evaporated milk or condensed milk (reduce added sugar if using sweetened milk).
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Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option.
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Shake or stir well before serving as it tends to settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg