Agua de Horchata is one of the most popular drinks in Mexico, and it is totally understandable. Horchata is a sweet drink with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. While most Aguas Frescas are made with fresh fruit, Horchata is made with rice. Yes! a pantry item that I am sure we all have plenty of right now.
Horchata is made by soaking the rice in water for several hours, then blended with water, milk, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Did you read that? It is just like drinking dessert.
There are many ways to make Horchata but this is my favorite way. It is creamy, sweet and you can really taste the delicious cinnamon and vanilla. You can modify this recipe to your taste and needs. You can make it dairy free, sugar free or both!. I used dairy because I wanted to get that pure while color typical of Horchata, and while Stevia or just regular sugar work just fine, condensed milk makes it extra creamy.
I hope you give this recipe a try!
Notes
You can use nut milk and regular sugar If you want to keep this recipe dairy free. I choose to use dairy because I like a whiter and creamier Horchata.
The amount of sweetener really depends on your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water to get rid of some starch.
- Add the rice to a bowl along with the cinnamon sticks and 1 1/2 cups of water. Let the rice soak for at least one hour and up to five hours.
- Once the rice is ready transfer to a blender and blend until all the rice is finely ground.
- Strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a pitcher. Add more water if needed.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, milk and 3 to 4 cups of water, enough to make 2 quarts of Horchata.
- Chill.
- Enjoy!
