Dishbook

Horchata

Horchata is a creamy, cinnamon-infused beverage made by blending soaked rice with water and sweetened with sugar and vanilla. Strained to a silky texture and chilled until cold, it offers a refreshing, subtly spiced flavor. Perfect for hot days or to accompany spicy dishes, this make-ahead drink is both easy and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

1 cup rice, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups milk
0.50 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Steps

  1. Rinse rice until water runs clear, then combine with water and cinnamon stick in a bowl; soak 4 hours or overnight.

  2. Transfer rice mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.

  3. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, discarding solids.

  4. Stir in milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.

  5. Refrigerate until cold, about 240 minutes.

  6. Serve over ice and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.