Authentic Mexican Horchata Recipe: Your Guide to a Creamy, Refreshing Drink

This authentic Horchata recipe is incredibly easy to make and serves as the perfect creamy, refreshing drink to complement your favorite Mexican meal or simply enjoy on a hot day. Made by soaking white rice overnight and then blending it with aromatic cinnamon, rich vanilla, crunchy almonds, and a delightful mix of condensed and evaporated milk, this homemade beverage promises a truly satisfying experience. Prepare to impress your guests or delight your family with this deliciously unique and traditional drink!

There’s nothing quite like a glass of Horchata on a warm day, especially when paired with vibrant Mexican cuisine. The creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and hint of cinnamon create a truly refreshing and satisfying experience. Whether you’re enjoying Chicken Tinga or some Easy Cod Fish Tacos, Horchata is the ideal companion.

What is Horchata? A Journey Through Its Rich History

If you’re wondering what exactly Horchata (sometimes known as Orxata) is, you’re in for a treat. At its heart, Horchata is a traditional beverage made from ground nuts, grains, or seeds, originating as far back as 13th-century Valencia, Spain, where it is famously known as orxata de xufa. In Spain, this beloved drink is typically crafted from soaked, ground, and sweetened tiger nuts, giving it a unique, earthy flavor profile.

However, as Horchata traveled across continents, particularly to Mexico and other parts of the Americas, its base evolved. Today, the most popular version, and the one we’re focusing on in this recipe, uses white rice. This Mexican-style Horchata involves soaking white rice overnight, then blending it with water, cinnamon, vanilla, and a creamy duo of condensed and evaporated milk, resulting in a wonderfully smooth and delicious drink.

The name “Horchata” itself has a fascinating etymology, deriving from the Latin term “hordeata,” which in turn comes from “hordeum” (barley). This linguistic root connects it to a broader Mediterranean tradition of grain-based beverages and even to orgeat syrup, highlighting its ancient roots and diverse lineage. Beyond Spain and the Americas, you’ll find variations of this refreshing drink in West African countries like Nigeria and Mali, where it’s known as kunnu aya, often made with tiger nuts, rice, or millet. Depending on the region, different varieties can be served either hot or cold, and it even makes an appearance as a flavoring in other beverages, such as frappé coffee.

While you’ll frequently find Horchata on the menu at Mexican restaurants, the joy of making it at home is unparalleled. It allows for customization and ensures you’re enjoying a fresh, vibrant drink free from preservatives. Let’s dive into creating your own creamy, spiced Horchata.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Horchata

Crafting your own batch of Horchata requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. The magic happens when these elements come together after a good soak and blend. Here’s what you’ll need:

• White Rice: The foundation of our Mexican-style Horchata, providing a subtly sweet and starchy base. Any variety of white rice, such as long-grain, jasmine, basmati, or short-grain, will work beautifully.
• Water: Crucial for both soaking the rice and achieving the desired consistency of the final drink.
• Almonds: These add a delicate nutty depth and richness to the Horchata. For a nut-free version, simply omit them.
• Cinnamon Stick: An absolute must for that signature warm, aromatic flavor. Using a stick rather than ground cinnamon enhances the infusion.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides a luscious sweetness and creamy texture that defines Horchata.
• Carnation Evaporated Milk: Adds another layer of creaminess and a subtle, rich flavor.
• Ice: For serving your perfectly chilled Horchata.
• Optional Sugar or Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar or your preferred natural sweetener to taste.

How to Make This Delicious Horchata Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making homemade Horchata is a straightforward process, but it does require some patience, mainly for the overnight soaking. The key to a smooth, flavorful Horchata lies in proper preparation and blending. Follow these steps for the perfect result:

1. Rinse the Rice Thoroughly

   Begin by placing your white rice in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold running water until the water runs completely clear. This step is crucial for removing excess starch and ensuring a clean flavor in your final drink.

2. Soak the Rice and Almonds Overnight

   Transfer the rinsed rice to a large bowl. Add the almonds and the cinnamon stick. Pour enough water over the mixture to completely cover all the ingredients. Cover the bowl and let it soak at room temperature overnight, or for a minimum of 8-12 hours. This soaking process softens the rice and almonds, making them easier to blend into a smooth consistency, and allows the flavors of the cinnamon to infuse beautifully into the water. You’ll notice the rice will appear lighter and will have absorbed most of the water by morning.




3. Blend Until Perfectly Smooth

   Once soaked, transfer the rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, and the soaking water into a high-speed blender. Add the pure vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. This may take several minutes (around 2-5 minutes), ensuring there are no visible rice grains or large almond pieces remaining. The longer you blend, the creamier your Horchata will be.




4. Strain for a Silky Smooth Texture

   Once blended, it’s time to strain. Pour the liquid through a very fine-mesh strainer or, for an even smoother result, use a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large pitcher. Press down on any solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the strained solids. This step is vital to ensure your Horchata has that signature smooth, velvety texture without any grittiness.




5. Adjust Sweetness and Consistency

   If you prefer a sweeter drink, now is the time to add your optional sugar or natural sweetener to the liquid in the pitcher. Stir well until it’s fully dissolved. Then, add the remaining water to the pitcher and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust to your preference – you might want a bit more sweetener or a splash more water depending on how rich you like it.

6. Chill and Serve

   For the best experience, refrigerate your Horchata for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Serve it over plenty of ice in tall glasses. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a star anise pod, or a dash of toasted coconut flakes.

Customizing Your Horchata: Sweetening Options

The beauty of homemade Horchata is its adaptability, especially when it comes to sweetness. While the condensed milk provides a good base, some prefer an extra touch of sweetness. Here are a few ways to enhance the flavor:

• Honey

  For a natural and slightly floral sweetness, honey is an excellent choice. Start with a tablespoon or two and add more to taste.

• Maple Syrup

  Maple syrup offers a distinct, warm flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. It’s another great natural sweetener option.

• Stevia or Other Sugar Substitutes

  If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, stevia or other zero-calorie sweeteners can be used. Adjust according to the product’s sweetness equivalency.

• Granulated Sugar

  The most traditional way to add extra sweetness, simply stir in white granulated sugar until dissolved.

Storing Your Homemade Horchata

Once prepared, Horchata is best enjoyed cold. Store it in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 4 days. It’s natural for some of the rice sediment to settle at the bottom, so give it a good stir or shake before serving each time to ensure consistency.

Exploring Milk Alternatives for Horchata

While traditional Horchata often uses dairy, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit various dietary needs or preferences. Feel free to substitute the evaporated and condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly, but the essence of Horchata will remain.

Some excellent dairy-free options include:

• Oat Milk

  Known for its creamy texture, oat milk is a fantastic choice for a rich and smooth Horchata.

• Whole Milk

  If you’re not avoiding dairy, whole milk offers an incredibly rich and decadent version of Horchata, enhancing its creamy texture.

• Soy Milk

  A classic dairy alternative, soy milk provides a good base and creamy consistency.

• Almond Milk

  This naturally complements the almonds already in the recipe, adding another layer of nutty flavor.

• Coconut Milk

  For a tropical twist, coconut milk can be used, lending a subtle sweetness and unique aroma to your Horchata.

Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Horchata

Achieving that perfectly balanced, creamy, and flavorful Horchata is simple with these expert tips:

• Serve it Cold: While you can drink Horchata at room temperature, it truly shines when served well-chilled. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving, or pour it over a generous amount of ice.
• Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking the rice (and almonds) overnight is perhaps the most critical step. It allows the grains to soften completely, making them easier to blend into a smooth liquid. This also helps extract maximum flavor and starch, which contributes to the drink’s creamy body.
• Strain Properly: A fine-mesh strainer is essential to remove any gritty particles, ensuring a silky-smooth texture. For an even more refined drink, use a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to strain the mixture twice. This prevents a chalky mouthfeel.
• Cinnamon is Key: Cinnamon is one of the main flavor stars in Horchata. For the best infusion, opt for whole cinnamon sticks during the soaking and blending process. They release a more profound, nuanced flavor compared to ground cinnamon. If using ground cinnamon in a pinch, add it during the final blending stage.
• Sweetener to Taste: The base recipe with condensed and evaporated milk is already pleasantly sweet for many. However, if you have a sweeter palate, feel free to add granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred natural sweetener after straining. Always taste as you go!
• Choose Any White Rice: Don’t stress too much about the type of white rice. Long-grain, jasmine, basmati, or short-grain rice will all yield delicious results. The key is the soaking and blending process.
• Versatile Uses: Horchata isn’t just for dinner! It’s a fantastic refreshing drink for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or alongside any meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, potlucks, or celebrations like Cinco de Mayo.
• Consider a Garnish: A simple garnish can elevate your Horchata. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a star anise pod, or a small amount of toasted coconut flakes can add visual appeal and an extra layer of aroma.

What to Serve with Horchata

Horchata is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes, especially those with bold, spicy, or savory flavors that benefit from a creamy, cooling contrast. It truly is the best horchata and complements so many meals. Here are some of our favorite pairings:

• MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD

  The refreshing Horchata balances the tangy, creamy, and spicy notes of this vibrant salad.

• MEXICAN ZUCCHINI

  A light and flavorful vegetable dish that finds a perfect match in the sweet creaminess of Horchata.

• INSTANT POT TURKEY CHILI

  The Horchata provides a cooling counterpoint to the warmth and spice of a hearty chili.

• VEGETARIAN ENCHILADAS

  Its soothing qualities are excellent with rich and savory enchiladas.

• INSTANT POT TURKEY TACO PASTA

  A creamy, cinnamon-infused drink like Horchata is a delightful contrast to the robust flavors of taco pasta.

• SOUTHWESTERN SALMON NACHOS

  Cut through the richness of cheesy nachos with a refreshing sip of Horchata.

• Spicy Tacos and Burritos: Whether chicken, beef, or vegetarian, Horchata is excellent for cooling the palate between bites of spicy Mexican food.
• Grilled Meats: The sweetness and creaminess can balance the smoky, charred flavors of grilled chicken or carne asada.
• Desserts: Horchata can also be a standalone dessert or a delightful accompaniment to lighter pastries or fruit tarts.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this homemade Horchata recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simple preparation and incredible flavor make it a truly rewarding beverage to master.

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.

Tap to rate the recipe

No ratings yet

Horchata Recipe

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Soak Time:

12 hours
hrs

Total:

12 hours
hrs
15 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

Save
Saved
Pin
Print

This Horchata Recipe is easy to make and the perfect refreshing drink to pair with your favorite Mexican meal.

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup white Rice
• ▢ 1 1/2 Liters Water, plus the additional water needed to soak the rice overnight
• ▢ 1 Cinnamon stick
• ▢ 1/2 cup almonds
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Vanilla
• ▢ 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
• ▢ 12 ounces evaporated Milk
• ▢ Ice
• ▢ 2 tbsps sugar, optional

Instructions

• Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
• Place the rice and almonds in a bowl with the cinnamon stick and enough water to cover. Let it soak overnight.
• Combine the soaked rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a blender. Blend until it is completely smooth, ensuring no rice grains are left.
• Strain the liquid into a large pitcher using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Add additional sugar or natural sweetener if desired.
• Add the remaining water to the pitcher and mix well.
• Refrigerate until chilled. Serve with ice and enjoy!
• Garnish with extra cinnamon, anise, or coconut if desired.

Notes

• Feel free to sub in any milk or milk-substitute for the evaporated milk for a different flavor profile or dietary needs.
• You can omit the almonds for a nut-free drink, although it will alter the flavor slightly.

Nutrition

Calories:
737
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
110
g

,

Protein:
21
g

,

Fat:
24
g

,

Saturated Fat:
10
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
10
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.003
g

,

Cholesterol:
58
mg

,

Sodium:
238
mg

,

Potassium:
817
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
70
g

,

Vitamin A:
471
IU

,

Vitamin C:
4
mg

,

Calcium:
585
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?
Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!