Description
A refreshing, creamy, and cinnamon-spiced Mexican horchata that is easy to make at home. This drink uses toasted cinnamon sticks and evaporated milk for a rich, authentic flavor that is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 4 cups water (for soaking)
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks (Ceylon preferred)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- Ice cubes
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat and dry toast the cinnamon sticks for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, 4 cups of water, and the toasted cinnamon sticks. Cover and soak at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Pour the rice, water, and cinnamon sticks into a blender. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the liquid is milky and the rice is broken down.
- Place a nut milk bag or cheesecloth-lined sieve over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, pressing down on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the rice pulp.
- Stir in the sugar, whole milk, and evaporated milk. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more sugar or water as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
The rice must be soaked to release starch for creaminess. Toasting the cinnamon sticks enhances the flavor significantly. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk and sugar with maple syrup. The drink keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Mexican horchata, horchata recipe, creamy horchata, cinnamon drink, summer drinks, dairy-free horchata, vegan horchata, easy drinks