How to Make Horchata

Hey Foodies, have you ever had Horchata? Maybe you are asking yourself what is "Horchata". Horchata is a Spanish rice and almond drink that is really refreshing especially in the hot summer months. It can be all plant based but in this recipe it isn't because I've add evaporated milk. I really love how it came out, the evaporated milk really makes it extra creamy. One thing I have to say is to make sure you use the cinnamon sticks like the recipe says. I did not have any on hand and used ground cinnamon instead which was ok but I think the sticks would have added extra flavor. If you are looking for a summer drink that is refreshing, this one is perfect. I know that lots of people buy this drink from the store but if you have extra time on your hands it is well worth your efforts to make it at home. So if you want to make your own Horchata, then follow the step by step guide below or watch the video tutorial here:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white rice
• 1 1/3 cup sugar adjust depending on how sweet you want (2/3 cup of sugar if you want it less sweet)
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 1 Can (12 ounces) Evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cup of milk or almond milk
• 1 Liter of water
• Ice

Tools

• Blendtec Blender
• Standard Whisk
• Spiral Whisk
• Pyrex Mixing Bowl
• Pyrex Bowl 3 set
• 6 Ounce Porcelain Ramekins
• Pyrex Measuring Cup Kit

• Misc. Kitchen Utensils

Add the rice, cinnamon, and almonds in a bowl and add about a liter of water. Give the mixture a quick stir. Cover it in plastic wrap and allow the mixture to soak all night at room temperature, or at least for 5 hours so that the rice softens slightly. (I didn't have cinnamon sticks on hand so I added ground cinnamon but I recommend using the cinnamon sticks as the recipe specify).

Strain the water from the cinnamon, rice, and almond mixture that were soaking, disposing of water.

Add the rice mixture to a powerful blender and add the evaporated milk to the blender as well. Blend the cinnamon, rice, and almond mixture with evaporated milk until a smoother mix is formed and the grains of rice are completely ground.

Strain the resulting liquid into a pitcher (I used a nut milk bag). You might have to use your clean hands to squeeze all the liquid out.

Add the sugar, vanilla, and almond milk. Mix well until everything is well combined.

Add a liter of cold water and stir liquid until combined.

Add to serving glassful of ice, top with extra ground cinnamon and enjoy!

If you prefer a video tutorial, you can watch it here!