Horchata Drink Recipe
Forget overpriced coffee and sad, watery smoothies—horchata is the creamy, cinnamon-kissed drink that’s dominated social media feeds for a reason.
It’s refreshing, ridiculously easy to make, and tastes like a vacation in a glass. Want to impress your friends or just treat yourself? Keep reading.
This isn’t some bland rice water pretending to be horchata. We’re talking velvety texture, perfect sweetness, and a hint of vanilla that makes it addictive.
Plus, it’s dairy-free (unless you want it otherwise), customizable, and requires zero cooking skills. Win-win-win.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus soaking)
Cook time: 0 minutes (because we don’t cook here)
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 6 (or 1 if you’re feeling ambitious)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the rice and cinnamon. Rinse the rice under cold water, then combine it with 4 cups of water and the cinnamon stick in a bowl. Cover and let it sit for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).
- Blend like your life depends on it. Pour the soaked rice, cinnamon stick, and water into a blender. Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Strain the mixture. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a pitcher. Squeeze or press to extract every last drop of creamy goodness.
- Chill and serve. Refrigerate for 1 hour (if you can wait). Pour over ice, dust with cinnamon, and pretend you’re at a beachside café.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 180
Carbs: 38g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
FYI, these numbers shift if you swap ingredients (like using coconut milk or less sugar).
Storage Instructions
Store horchata in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving—separation is normal (unlike your last relationship). For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays and blend later with fresh milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not soaking long enough. Gritty horchata = sadness. Soak for at least 4 hours.
- Overloading the blender. Blend in batches if needed to avoid a leaky disaster.
- Skipping the strain. Cheesecloth is your friend. Nobody wants chunky rice water.
- Forgetting to taste. Adjust sugar and cinnamon after blending—ingredient strengths vary.
Alternatives
Feel like mixing it up? Try these twists:
- Coconut horchata: Swap regular milk for coconut milk.
- Spiked horchata: Add a shot of rum or Kahlúa (you’re welcome).
- Chocolate horchata: Blend in 2 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Oat milk version: For extra creaminess without dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it’ll taste nuttier and take longer to soak. IMO, stick with white rice for classic flavor.
Why is my horchata watery?
You either didn’t blend long enough or skimped on the rice. Fix it by blending more or adding less milk next time.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. Just know it’ll taste different.
Is horchata gluten-free?
Yep! Rice and cinnamon are naturally gluten-free. Just check your vanilla extract to be safe.
Can I skip the cinnamon stick?
Sure, but ground cinnamon works in a pinch. The stick just gives deeper flavor.
Final Thoughts
Horchata is the ultimate flex—minimal effort, maximum reward.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just surviving a Tuesday, this drink delivers.
Cool, creamy, and customizable, it’s basically the superhero of beverages. So grab your blender, and let’s get mixing. Your taste buds will thank you.
