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Horchata: A Refreshing Mexican Beverage to Delight Everyone

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Horchata is a refreshing, creamy Mexican beverage made from rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day, complementing spicy dishes or just as a sweet, homemade treat.

Ingredients

For the Horchata:

1 cup long-grain white rice

4 cups water (for soaking)

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)

½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of salt

For Serving:

Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Rice:
    • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch.
    • In a bowl, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water. Let it soak for at least 3 hours, or for the best flavor, overnight.
  2. Blend the Mixture:
    • After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a blender. Add 2 cups of fresh water, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
    • Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the blended mixture into a large pitcher or bowl, discarding the solids.
  3. Add Milk and Sweeten:
    • Stir in the milk and vanilla extract (if using) into the strained rice water.
    • Add granulated sugar, adjusting the sweetness according to your preference. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
    • Serve the horchata over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes

Horchata can be adjusted for sweetness, so feel free to add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.

If you want to make it vegan, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.

The horchata can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just stir well before serving as separation may occur.

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