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Creamy Horchata from Scratch

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A refreshing homemade creamy horchata drink made from soaked rice and cinnamon, blended and sweetened with condensed milk and vanilla. Perfect for summer and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 190 grams)
  • 2 large cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water (960 ml)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) or dairy-free alternative
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (120 ml) or honey/agave for lighter option
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
  • Ice cubes as needed

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
  2. Place the rinsed rice and 2 cinnamon sticks into a large bowl or container.
  3. Add 4 cups of cold water and cover. Soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the soaking water and discard them.
  5. Pour the rice and soaking water into a high-speed blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and milky.
  6. Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
  7. Stir in 2 cups of whole milk, ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  10. Serve chilled over ice cubes and sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Soak rice and cinnamon overnight for best flavor and smooth texture. Use a high-speed blender for creaminess but avoid overheating. Strain thoroughly to avoid graininess. Adjust sweetness to taste. For dairy-free, substitute milk and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives. Add a cinnamon stick while chilling for stronger cinnamon flavor. Can add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: horchata, creamy horchata, homemade horchata, cinnamon rice drink, refreshing drink, summer beverage, dairy-free horchata, traditional horchata

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/creamy-horchata-from-scratch-recipe-easy-refreshing-homemade-drink/