Description
Horchata is a refreshingly delicious plant-based beverage combining creamy ingredients with warming natural spices. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, this cool and soothing drink is ideal for warm days or anytime you want a refreshing treat. Simple to make with versatile ingredient options and customizable flavors, it’s great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 5 cups water (for soaking and blending)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups almond milk (plant-based)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Soak the Rice and Cinnamon: Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice and cinnamon sticks in a bowl with fresh water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens the rice and infuses the cinnamon flavor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the rice breaks down into a smooth, milky mixture, creating the creamy texture essential for Horchata.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large jug. Press gently to extract as much liquid as possible while leaving rice solids behind, resulting in a silky smooth drink.
- Add Plant-Based Milk and Sweeteners: Stir in almond milk (plant-based), pure maple syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Mix thoroughly to achieve a balanced creaminess, sweetness, and slight thickness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Horchata for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold over ice, garnished if desired for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- Soak rice longer for creamier, more intense flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender to ensure smooth texture.
- Double strain to ensure a perfectly smooth drink.
- Adjust sweetener gradually to suit your taste.
- Serve very cold to enhance the refreshing quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus soaking time
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Horchata, plant-based drink, dairy-free beverage, cinnamon drink, refreshing drink, Mexican drink