Horchata
Introduction
Horchata is a refreshing Mexican Iced Rice Milk beverage that tastes of rice, cinnamon and gorgeous sweetened Vanilla milk. It is so refreshing and the perfect side dish for any meal especially when it’s hot. If you are interested in experiencing something different, there is nothing complicated about this and it serves a unique taste of creaminess to your dining table. The other reason I like making my own Horchata, is that it’s a fun activity for the kids. And it just makes taco night even better.
Preparation
Ground rice, milk (of course!), cinnamon or other flavors are the basic ingredients to make this delicious Horchata de Arroz. One of the favorite and most delicious beverages for many Mexican households. Put them all together in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth, creating an individual sweet and creamy drink. Use rice milk as it can complement the cinnamon very effectively, thus enhancing its flavor further.
Personal Touch
Horchata is a tradition in our home. I even frequently make it with my kids, which really turns it into a family-friendly event. We usually just play around with the sweetness until we get it right. Sure, this might not be A Traditional Recipe™ for paella but, rather our own spin on a classic dish and it never disappoints. Whether you serve Horchata at your party, or just as a special indulgence — we promise that it will make any meal complete.
What is Horchata?
Horchata: Horchata is another popular grain based beverage characteristically different depending on the region. This chilled, sweet and spiced beverage made from rice milk delivers a heartwarming texture that was inspired by one of the most traditional beverages in Mexico. And it is not all rice; Horchata also has cinnamon in the mix which adds a good warmth and smell to this refreshing treat.
Examples of this include the traditional Horchata from Spain, which is crafted using sweetened (and dried) tiger nuts; or in Puerto Rico where it uses grounded sesame seeds. Our version here in America is the Mexican take on it — adding some vanilla, milk and sweet cinnamon to make a dessert drink that you’ll warm up to. Horchata, which has a similar texture to watery rice pudding is a refreshing complement to any meal.
It’s perfect served classic with milk and sugar, or as a dairy-free option sweetened with natural sugars in Horchata! Seriously, blend a bag of rice with vanilla and cinnamon and you have a classic background juice to go along!
How to Make Horchata?
How to Make Horchata is a bit messy, but very easy. Combine rice, hot water with cinnamon sticks in a blender. Pulse them until the rice and cinnamon sticks are coarsely ground. Pour in the rest of the water and blend once again until everything is properly combined. Transfer to a pitcher or container with lid and store in the fridge for overnight or however long before you drink it.
Then, strain the rice cream through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth set on top of another pitcher. Strain the solids out. Last, add milk, vanilla cinnamon & sugar if you want. Let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Mix them together well and then serve over ice, for a nice chilled treat.
Horchata is simple enough to prepare, but requires the forethought and patience of an overnight oat soak. With the help of this blend, you can create a creamier version, which is sure to be appreciated by anyone else using water from their filter. You can drink this delicious beverage cold, especially on a hot day.
Instructions
Feel free to leave a comment and start by watching the video, where I show you how to make itPsssst… if11 you liked this recipe, share it with your friends too!the rice in blender with hot water—or even without heating—inn #becauseIamFabulous Start adding into the glass jar be more fermented Mexican Cinnamon sticks Add mango And scoop beef broth out from bottom of info!!}Followon/or || Subscribe Leave Own Re rating)}> })})(); counter. Process until the rice and cinnamon sticks are coarsely ground. Add the rest of the water and pulse once more. Transfer the mixture into a pitcher jar with a fitting cap and keep in the refrigerator for overnight or up to 8 hours.
After the soaking time has elapsed, strain your rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another pitcher. Discard the rice. Then, mix in some milk and sugar to sweeten it up; add a little vanilla extract for flavor and cinnamon too! Put in the fridge till time to serve. Stir before serving and pour over ice.
If you want to make it smoother, put the rice and water in a powerful blender with cinnamon sticks & blend for approximately 40-60 seconds. Strain mixture into a large container, cool and then refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight if possible.
When you’re happy with the concentration, strain it through a nut milk bag into your pitcher. Mix with milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. Try and test another or more sweetener if needed. Finish by adding more ice and garnish the top with fresh grated cinnamon or a few extra cinnamon sticks.
ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2 Mexican cinnamon sticks
4 cups hot water
2 cups milk , or almond milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ – 1/2 cups granulated sugar , to taste