Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of Classic Horchata to refresh your day. This smooth, creamy drink originates from Mexico and blends fragrant cinnamon with rice’s subtle sweetness, creating a beverage that’s both comforting and thirst-quenching. Perfect for hot afternoons, family gatherings, or pairing with spicy meals, horchata offers a gentle balance of cool creaminess and warm spice. Made with simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, this recipe brings authentic flavor straight to your kitchen — no exotic store-bought bottle needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smooth, creamy texture with a hint of cinnamon
- Perfectly balanced sweet and refreshing
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Great for entertaining or everyday enjoyment
- Customizable sweetness and spice
Ingredients
- 240 g long-grain white rice
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 5–7 cm)
- 1.2 L cold water (divided)
- 120 ml whole milk or almond milk
- 90 g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- Optional: ground cinnamon for garnish
- Optional: ice cubes for serving
How to Make Classic Horchata
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear
- In a bowl, combine rinsed rice with cinnamon stick and 480 ml cold water; soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor
- After soaking, transfer rice and cinnamon water (discarding rice if preferred, or blending it) into a blender; blend until rice is broken down and water is milky
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove solids
- Add remaining 720 ml cold water, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the pitcher; stir until sugar dissolves
- Chill the horchata in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
- Serve over ice and sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon on top if desired
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soak Time: 4–12 hours
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5–13 hours
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Beverage
Flavor Profile Breakdown
Smooth and cool from rice and milk, subtly spiced with cinnamon, and delicately sweet — horchata offers a refreshing but comforting sip that pairs beautifully with bold, spicy foods or stands alone as a cool treat.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use long-grain rice for smoother texture. Soak rice at least 4 hours — overnight gives deeper flavor. Blend thoroughly for better rice infusion. Adjust sugar to balance sweetness. Chill thoroughly before serving so the flavor melds beautifully.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Use brown sugar or agave for mellow, richer sweetness. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth. For a creamier horchata, increase milk slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the soaking step — results in a weak flavor. Not straining well — leads to grainy texture. Adding sugar while warm — dissolve sugar in cold mixture for best texture. Serving warm — horchata is best chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Classic Horchata over ice with cinnamon stick garnish alongside tacos, burritos, or churros for a treat. It also pairs wonderfully with spicy barbecue or fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover horchata in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Stir before serving — ingredients may settle. Do not freeze, as texture will change.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Classic Horchata (Creamy, Refreshing & Authentic)
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear
- In a bowl, combine rinsed rice with cinnamon stick and 480 ml cold water; soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor
- After soaking, transfer rice and cinnamon water (discarding rice if preferred, or blending it) into a blender; blend until rice is broken down and water is milky
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove solids
- Add remaining 720 ml cold water, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the pitcher; stir until sugar dissolves
- Chill the horchata in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
- Serve over ice and sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon on top if desired
Notes
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Final Thoughts
Classic Horchata is a refreshing beverage that strikes a lovely balance between creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced. Easy, affordable, and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for everyday sipping or special gatherings where a cool, comforting drink is just what you need.
FAQs
Why soak the rice before blending?
Soaking softens the rice and releases flavor into the water, giving the horchata its signature creamy body.
Can I make horchata without milk?
Yes — using water or plant-based milk like almond or oat creates a lighter, dairy-free version.
How do I adjust sweetness?
Start with less sugar and add more to taste after chilling.
Can I add cinnamon powder instead of sticks?
Yes — add a pinch of ground cinnamon while blending, but soaking with sticks gives deeper warmth.
Is horchata served cold?
Always — horchata is traditionally served over ice so it’s cool and refreshing.
