Horchata Recipe

The perfect summer drink

Posted by Krys M.

About

Mmmm horchata! [Pronounced "or-cha-ta"] A lot of people think Mexican horchata is made with milk but it’s actually completely dairy free. It’s what is known as Aguas Frescas. Usually fruits, grains, or seeds blended with sugar and water to make a delicious beverage. I grew up on this stuff and I love it. It’s my special treat. Liquid golden calories of joy.

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You Will Need (6 things)

  • 1 ½ cup Long grain white Rice
  • 1 cup Blanched skinless Almonds
  • 1 cup Sugar ;plus more to taste
  • 2 Cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cup Water ;(halved)
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract

Steps (6 steps, 510 minutes)

  1. 1

    Grind rice and almonds into a blender or spice grinder until it makes a fine powder.

  2. 2

    Blend the almond and rice powder with 3 cups of water until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Add cinnamon sticks and vanilla. Set aside, covered, for at least 8 hours.

  3. 3

    Use a fine mesh sieve or cover your strainer with a layer of good cheesecloth. Add 1 cup of water to your mixture and strain into a large bowl. You want to strain as much grit out as possible. Discard the solids.

  4. 4

    Add sugar and vanilla.

  5. 5

    Stir thoroughly.

  6. 6

    Pour into a pitcher. Stir in 4 cups of cold water and lots of ice. Garnish with grated cinnamon and cinnamon sticks.