Spread the love

Cool off with Horchata, a creamy, cinnamon-spiced Mexican beverage that’s a fan favorite in our kitchen. This Horchata Drink Recipe blends rice, milk, and warm spices into a silky, refreshing drink perfect for warm days or cozy evenings. Easy to make with simple ingredients, Horchata captures the essence of your favorite taqueria’s version, making it a versatile treat you’ll want to sip year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Horchata

This Horchata shines in our Horchata Drink Recipe:

Bold Flavor: Cinnamon sticks infuse a robust, warm taste.
Silky Texture: Sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy finish.
Versatile: Pairs with sweet or savory dishes, with or without alcohol.
Make-Ahead: Flavors deepen overnight for effortless prep.
Authentic: Mimics Mexican-style horchata with minimal effort.
I served this at a taco night, and it was the star of the Horchata Drink Recipe lineup!

Ingredients for Horchata

Here’s what you’ll need for Horchata (serves 6):

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
4 cups fresh water, divided
2 cinnamon sticks, lightly smashed
1 cup whole milk
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Ice cubes

Ingredient Tips:

Rice: Long-grain white rice for smooth, starchy base; rinse to remove excess starch.
Cinnamon Sticks: Smashed for bold flavor; ground cinnamon is just for garnish.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adjust for desired sweetness; homemade works too.
Milk: Whole milk for richness; plant-based options for dairy-free.
Equipment: Blender or food processor, fine mesh sieve, large pitcher.

Directions for Horchata

Let’s craft this refreshing Horchata!

Blend Rice and Water

In a high-speed blender, I pulse ½ cup rice with 2 cups water until finely ground, about 1 minute. I transfer to a large pitcher and repeat with the remaining ½ cup rice and 2 cups water.

Add Cinnamon Sticks

I add 2 smashed cinnamon sticks to the rice-water mixture in the pitcher, stirring gently to combine.

Chill Mixture

I cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse the cinnamon flavor.

Strain Mixture

I pour the chilled mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another pitcher, discarding the rice solids and cinnamon sticks.

Mix Remaining Ingredients

I stir in 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Serve Over Ice

I pour the Horchata over ice-filled glasses, dusting each with a pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 (about 8 oz each)
Calories: ~200 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 4g protein, 5g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Horchata

Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond or coconut milk.
Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon.
Low-Sugar: Use heavy cream and a sugar-free sweetener instead of condensed milk.
Boozy: Mix in 1 oz rum or coffee liqueur per glass for adults.
Coffee Kick: Blend in ¼ cup cooled espresso for a “dirty” horchata.

Storage

I store Horchata in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days, stirring well before serving to blend settled starches. For freezing, I pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for up to 3 months, thawing cubes in the fridge or using them as flavored ice to avoid dilution. I shake or stir after thawing to restore creaminess.

Serving Ideas

Make your Horchata a standout with this Horchata Drink Recipe:

Classic: Serve chilled over ice with a cinnamon dusting.
Sweet Pairing: Enjoy with churros or tres leches cake for a dessert vibe.
Savory Match: Pair with spicy tacos or chile verde for balance.
Party Pitcher: Batch for a crowd with this Horchata Drink Recipe as a refreshing centerpiece.
Popsicles: Freeze in molds for a frozen twist on the drink.

FAQs:

What is Horchata made of?
This Horchata blends rice, water, milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla for a creamy, spiced drink.

Why is my Horchata thick?
I find the rice starch creates a natural thickness; straining well keeps it smooth but creamy.

Can I make Horchata dairy-free?
Yes, I use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan version.

How long should Horchata chill?
I chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight yields the best cinnamon flavor infusion.

More Summer Drink Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

This Horchata is a creamy, cinnamon-kissed delight that’s perfect for any season, bringing the magic of a classic Mexican beverage to your glass. With our easy Horchata Drink Recipe, you’ll create a versatile, crowd-pleasing drink that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Whip up a pitcher of Horchata today and savor its silky sweetness with every sip!

BEST Horchata Recipe

This Horchata is a creamy, cinnamon-kissed delight that’s perfect for any season, bringing the magic of a classic Mexican beverage to your glass. With our easy Horchata Drink Recipe, you’ll create a versatile, crowd-pleasing drink that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 2 10

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
4 cups fresh water divided
2 cinnamon sticks lightly smashed
1 cup whole milk
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground cinnamon for garnish
Ice cubes