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    The Butter Half / Recipe Index / Drinks and Smoothies / Authentic Mexican Horchata

    Authentic Mexican Horchata

    By Madi • Published: Sep 7, 2022 • Modified: Jan 25, 2023 • Leave a Comment • This post may contain affiliate links.

    JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT

    Horchata is my favorite Mexican beverage! Anytime I make Mexican cuisine for dinner, this authentic Mexican horchata recipe is on the menu. This smooth and creamy drink is plant-based and made from rice. Let's get to it!

    What Is Horchata?

    Horchata is a plant-based milk that is sweetened with spices and a variety of other ingredients that make it creamy and delicious. Horchata originates from Spain and has made its way all over the world. Different parts of the world have their own unique recipe for Horchata and ways to drink it but what it is remains the same wherever you are; a sweet (typically chilled or cold) beverage.

    Recipe Ingredients

    1 cup long grain white rice

    ¼ cup slivered, blanched almonds

    1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

    5 cups room temperature water, divided

    1 (14 oz) can evaporated milk

    1 (12 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 

    1 cup whole milk 

    1 teaspoon vanilla 

    Step by Step Instructions

    Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the white rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, and 2 cups of water. Let it soak overnight until the rice grains can easily be broken by pressing them between your fingers. 

    glass bowl with water, rice, slivered almonds, and cinnamon sticks on a light colored background

    Step 2: Pour the rice and water mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until everything is completely smooth. 

    food processor with mixed ingredients

    Step 3: Strain the mixture through a sieve and a cheesecloth to catch any large pieces. You may need to do this a few times to get it completely smooth.  

    horchata being mixture sieved through a cheesecloth

    Step 4: Add the rice mixture to a large pitcher along with the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, and 3 cups of water. Stir to combine. 

    pitcher filled with mexican horchata with a light colored background

    Step 5: Serve with ice and enjoy!

    authentic mexican horchata in small glasses with ice and cinnamon sticks with a light colored background

    Storage Instructions

    If you don’t consume the Horchata right away or you make it ahead of time make sure you put it in the refrigerator to avoid any bacterial growth. 

    This authentic Mexican horchata recipe will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

    FAQs

    What Kind Of Rice Can I Use?

    • This horchata recipe is best when you use long grain white rice, but you can also use your favorite kind of rice.

    Should I Wash Or Soak My Rice?

    • I recommend rinsing your rice before you combine it with the almonds, cinnamon stick and water so that your mixture is clean and consumable!  
    • You will want to soak your rice overnight until the rice grains can easily be broken by pressing them between your fingers. 

    How Can I Make It Dairy Free?

    • Make this horchata recipe dairy free by omitting the milk ingredients for oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or any other milk substitute you love.

    Expert Tips & Tricks

    • Serve chilled with ice
    • Make sure to blend the rice and almond mixture very well before straining. This may take anywhere between 1-5 minutes. 
    •  You may need to strain the rice mixture a few times in order for it to be completely smooth. 
    • Omit the almonds for a nut-free alternative
    • Some recipes call for granulated sugar instead of sweetened condensed milk. Feel free to substitute if you’d prefer. 

    authentic mexican horchata in small glasses with ice and cinnamon sticks with a light colored background

    Authentic Mexican Horchata

    By: Abbey Rodriguez
    PRINT PIN RECIPE
    Horchata is my favorite Mexican beverage! Anytime I make Mexican cuisine for dinner, this authentic Mexican horchata recipe is on the menu. This smooth and creamy drink is plant-based and is made from rice. Let’s get to it!
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 8 hours
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 380kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup long grain white rice
    • ¼ cup slivered blanched almonds
    • 1 cinnamon stick (broken into pieces)
    • 5 cups water (room temperature)
    • 1 can evaporated milk (14 oz can)
    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (12 oz can)
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, mix the white rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, and 2 cups of water. Let it soak overnight until the rice grains can easily be broken by pressing them between your fingers.
    • Pour the rice and water mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until everything is completely smooth.
    • Strain the mixture through a sieve and a cheesecloth to catch any large pieces. You may need to do this a few times to get it completely smooth. 
    • Add the rice mixture to a large pitcher along with the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, and 3 cups of water. Stir to combine.
    • Serve with ice and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    Here's 3 more homemade beverages that I love:

    Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe 

    Hemp Milk Recipe 

    Easy Homemade Rice Milk Recipe

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    Hi, I'm Abbey! Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Herbalist | I healed my body using holistic nutrition and herbs. And I believe you can, too. Here you will find nourishing recipes and wellness tips for the family, as well as my herbal cookbook, Root & Nourish. Because you can achieve your ultimate wellness goals using plants and whole foods.

    More about me →

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