Description
Deliciously smooth and refreshing creamy Horchata made quickly at home using simple, everyday ingredients. This traditional plant-based beverage features long grain white rice, warm cinnamon, and natural sweeteners, resulting in a perfectly balanced, creamy, and flavorful drink suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups filtered water
Creaminess and Flavor
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons natural sweetener (like maple syrup or agave) (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Soak the Rice and Cinnamon: Combine the long grain white rice and cinnamon stick in a bowl with filtered water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to soften the rice and infuse the water with warm cinnamon flavor.
- Blend the Mixture: Once soaked, remove the cinnamon stick and add the rice-water mixture to a blender. Blend on high until the rice is completely broken down and the liquid turns milky white and creamy.
- Strain for Smoothness: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove any remaining rice solids, leaving you with a silky smooth base.
- Add Plant-Based Milk and Sweetener: Stir in the plant-based milk and your chosen natural sweetener (natural) to the strained rice water. Mix well until fully combined, then add a splash of vanilla extract (natural) for enhanced aroma.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate your Horchata for at least 1 hour to fully develop flavors and chill. Optionally, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent for a slightly thicker consistency before serving over ice.
Notes
- Soak longer for creaminess: For an even creamier texture, soak rice and cinnamon stick overnight.
- Blend thoroughly: Blend until the rice becomes as fine as possible for a smoother drink.
- Strain carefully: Double strain or use a fine sieve to avoid gritty texture.
- Sweeten gradually: Adjust natural sweetener to taste to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Adjust consistency: Modify the amount of plant-based milk or natural gelling agent to your preferred thickness.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Horchata, creamy Horchata, plant-based drink, cinnamon rice drink, vegan Horchata, gluten free beverage, refreshing drink