This rich and creamy Homemade Mexican Horchata is decadent and delicious. You're going to love the combination of flavors in the authentic chilled beverage.
I originally shared this recipe in 2014. I've recently updated this post with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.
How this recipe came to be:
While paging through my copy of Taste of Home: Recipes Across America cookbook, I found this recipe for horchata. Normally, I'd pass right by this type of recipe without giving it too much thought, but this time I stopped dead in my tracks.
As it turns out, not that long ago I learned that my eldest son loves, loves, loves this Spanish sweetened rice milk beverage and that he buys it whenever he's at his favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant.
Go figure, and no surprise... the mom is always the last to know. LOL
This particular horchata is made from long-grain rice, blanched almonds, vanilla, sugar, lime, and cinnamon.
It is then blended together and strained to make a creamy beverage that looks just like cow's milk but in fact, it has no dairy whatsoever.
How and when to serve Mexican Horchata:
Served icy cold, horchata is quite delicious with a distinct sweetness which is the reason my son loves it so much. You see, he's the sweets lover of our family so horchata is right up his alley.
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While I wouldn't recommend drinking this sweetened beverage every day of the week (just as I don't recommend drinking soda pop on a daily basis), it is a fun and unique treat that makes a really nice authentic Mexican addition to any family taco or enchilada night. 🙂
Special Equipment needed:
*Note - To make homemade horchata you'll need a high-speed blender or a food processor in order to make a fine powder out of the uncooked rice. Once you've processed the rice it will need to sit, covered in hot water (and then at room temperature), for approximately 6-7 hours. Then it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, Please plan accordingly depending on when you plan to serve it.
The step-by-step photo instructions:
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Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Mexican Horchata
Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups blanched almonds
- 1 large cinnamon stick more for garnish and serving
- 1½ teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1-2 cups cold water
- lime wedges for garnish optional
Instructions
- -Place the uncooked rice in a high-speed blender or food processor and process until very fine. *Note - the time this takes will depend on the appliance you're using. Be patient and keep blending.
- -Place the rice powder in a large bowl along with the almonds, cinnamon, lime zest, and vanilla.
- -Pour the boiling water into the bowl and stir well.
- -Allow the mixture to come to room temperature, cover, and let it sit for approximately 6-7 hours on the kitchen counter.
- -Discard the cinnamon stick and transfer the rice mixture into a blender. Cover and blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
- -Add the sugar and process until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- -Place a strainer over a pitcher and pour the horchata through the strainer and into the pitcher.
- -Stir in the water and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.
- -Pour over ice to serve.
- -Garnish with a cinnamon stick, lime wedges (if desired) before serving.
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for homemade Horchata as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Horchata is the best!
Susan says
I've never had horchata before and I'm curious about it but is it milky? I think that's what is putting me off since I'm not a milk drinker!
Renee Goerger says
Hi Susan! It actually only looks like milk, it really tastes nothing like milk at all.
The flavor is hard to describe. It's sweet and almondy (is that a word?) but nothing like milk.
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
I've had horchata before and it is delicious 🙂 Great recipe Renee! Also - those mugs - stunning - absolutely stunning!
Renee Goerger says
Thank you so much Aly!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
I've never tried anything like it and I love almonds...so that's gotta change!
Sherri Jo says
I want some of this! Yum!
Paula-bell'alimento says
Oh horchata how I love you!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I have a food processor so I can make this - thanks for the unique recipe! I want to sip one of these on my porch 🙂
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Oh my! I've never had this but my brother just saw this over my shoulder and wants some now!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I've never had horchata! It sounds so good!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
This is a great recipe!! I love horchata!