Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Chef Mireille
Horchata – Spice Infused Mexican Rice Drink
Mexican cinnamon and vanilla scented rice milk that goes perfect with cookies!
…and don’t forget to check out my other Mexican Recipes!
Now about horchata…
Horchata is a beverage consumed in Spain and throughout Latin America, although it is most popular in Mexico. I’ve even seen ancient references to it in Goa, India – probably brought there by the Portuguese, but no longer commonly produced there. It was developed in Valencia, Spain by the Moors. The Moors were Arabs of Egyptian decent who controlled North Africa, Gibraltar and Mediterranean Europe at various times from 711 – 1492. Their largest European influence was in Spain and Portugal.
The chufa or tiger nut plant was brought from North Africa to Spain. In Spain, horchata de chufa is the most common type. Horchata is basically a beverage flavored with cinnamon that can be made with any grain, nut or seed, indigenous to each country. Many different varieties exist across Latin America. In Nicaragua and Honduras, it is made with jicaro seeds, while made with morro seeds in El Salvador and sesame seeds in Puerto Rico.
This rice based version is popular in Mexico and Honduras. This is the most popular version here in the US, available in Mexican restaurants and street side Mexican vendors
Let’s check out some other great drinks while we’re at it!
Drink Recipes
- Chicha Morada – Peruvian Blue Corn Drink
- Pineapple Strawberry Agua Fresca
- Lassi Patiala
- Mango Lassi
This is such a light and refreshing drink – especially on hot summer days!
This is a perfect accompaniment to a cookie snack like these Moroccan Almond Cookies!
Horchata
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cinnamon stick broken into small pieces
- 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups boiling water
- ground cinnamon garnish
Instructions
- Wash the rice in several exchanges of water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pitcher, combine rice with cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract.
- Add boiling water and stir to combine.
- Transfer to to refrigerator and leave to soak overnight (or for at at least 4 hours).
- Transfer everything from the pitcher to a blender.
- Blend really well until the everything is well pureed and smooth.
- Pass this mixture through a strainer and return the mixture to the blender.
- Add milk, 1 cup water and sweetened condensed milk.
- Blend well until thoroughly combined.
- Chill or serve over ice, garnished with ground cinnamon.
- Always stir before serving, as rice sediment may sink to the bottom as it chills.
Nutrition
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Very similar to our payasm recipe..Looks great..
Such a interesting drink. Looks yummy.
So new to me.. Will give a try soon..
Wow , it is a new drink for me but it sure does sounds flavorful.
its a great drink both as a non alcoholic holiday drink or a summer time refreshing drink
Wow mir, interesting drink, i have heard about horchata, but never tried, love how simple the process is! would love to try, bookmarking this !
Beautiful clicks Mir, love the last shot, so pretty!
A drink with uncooked, ground rice in it is new to me. The flavors that have gone into the making of this drink must make it taste really good.
yes it is amazing but must be drunk within 2 days Otherwise it will turn gelatinous