Mexican horchata is a cool, creamy rice-and-cinnamon drink often served over ice with tacos, street food, and spicy meals.
This version soaks rice with cinnamon, blends it until milky, strains it well, then finishes the drink with milk, vanilla, sugar, and cold water.
For the smoothest horchata, strain the blended rice mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and then through cheesecloth if you have it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve horchata very cold over plenty of ice with cinnamon on top. It is especially good with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or spicy snacks.
Recipe Notes
Horchata separates as it sits, so stir or shake it well before pouring. Chill it for at least 1 hour after mixing for the best flavor.
Mexican Horchata
A creamy chilled Mexican rice drink flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, milk, and sugar.
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large pitcher
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
Horchata Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks plus more for serving
- 4 cups hot water for soaking
To Finish
- 2 cups cold water plus more to taste
- 1 cup whole milk or evaporated milk for a richer drink
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for serving
- 2 cups ice for serving
Instructions
Soak the rice:
- Combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon sticks, and hot water in a bowl.
- Cover and let the mixture soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Blend and strain:
- Remove and reserve the cinnamon sticks if your blender is not high-powered.
- Blend the soaked rice mixture until very milky and finely ground.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently on the solids.
- For a smoother drink, strain again through cheesecloth.
Finish and serve:
- Stir in the cold water, milk, sugar, and vanilla until the sugar dissolves.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, then stir well.
- Serve over ice with a dusting of ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar and water after straining; some rice varieties taste stronger than others.
- The drink naturally separates in the refrigerator, so stir before serving.
- Use evaporated milk for a richer, more dessert-like horchata.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19g