Authentic Mexican Horchata

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, condensed milk and evaporated milk with a bit of water too! It is known for its creamy texture and refreshing sweetness. This drink is commonly served in Mexican restaurants and it is especially popular during hot summer days. Horchata can be store bought but nothing beats a homemade recipe. These instructions will walk you through soaking the rice, blending the mixture, straining the liquid, and preparing the final drink. By following these you will be able to create a refreshing beverage that tastes like a traditional authentic Mexican horchata.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of white rice
2. 3 cinnamon sticks
3. 4 cups water (for soaking)
4. 1 can of evaporated milk
5. 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
6. 1 cup of water (to add)
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8. ice

Equipment:

1. Blender
2. Large bowl
3. Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
4. Pitcher
5. Spoon

Place 1 cup of white rice into a bowl or strainer.

Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water becomes clear. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the horchata from becoming too thick.

Transfer the rinsed rice into a large bowl. Add three cinnamon sticks and four cups of water. Cover the bowl and allow the mixture to soak for at least four hours (although overnight soaking produces stronger flavor).

Soaking softens the rice and allows the cinnamon to infuse its flavor into the water.

After soaking, pour the rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water into a blender. Blend the mixture for approximately one to two minutes until the rice has broken down and the liquid looks milky.

Blending releases the rice starch and cinnamon flavor, which creates the base for the horchata.

Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a pitcher. Slowly pour the blended mixture through the strainer to separate the liquid from the rice solids.

Use a spoon to gently press the mixture so more liquid passes through the strainer.

This step ensures the final drink has a smooth texture.

Pour 1 can of evaporated milk and 1 can of condensed milk into the horchata mix.

Then add one teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Stir the mixture thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Adding those cans of milk gives the drink a creamier texture.

Add 1 cup of water to even out the creamy texture from the milks.

Stir thoroughly.

Pour ice cubes into the glass with the horchata.

Serving the drink cold enhances the refreshing flavor and makes it perfect for hot days.

Stir the horchata mix among the ice cubes, so that any ingredients that have settled may be thoroughly mixed again before serving.

Sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor and presentation if desired.

Take a sip, Your homemade horchata is now ready to enjoy!