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How to Make Delicious Horchata

Oct 6, 2014 08:18 PM

Oct 6, 2014 09:07 PM

Container filled with liquid next to a measuring cup.

You know how you can go to those little Mexican restaurants that have the refreshing drink machines full of that sweet rice drink, horchata? Did it ever seem like some kind of arcane powdered mix or a secret recipe you would never know? If you've ever found a recipe, did you imagine it needing all these crazy ingredients that you can't find for cheap at your local supermarket?

Not to worry, this is very simple and very delicious and cheap drink to make, and this recipe makes about 11 cups.

Ingredients:

2 cups white long-grain rice
10 cups water
1 cup milk
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Tiny pinch nutmeg (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tools Needed:

Blender
2 large bowls or other containers
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Colander
Pitcher
Large spoon for stirring

Blending the First Ingredients

Measure out the rice and pour it into the blender bowl.

Only 8 cups of water will fit in our blender with the rice (we will add more later).

Add your cinnamon, and if you desire it, nutmeg.

Cinnamon spice container held in front of a blender.

Blender with a mix of ingredients for a beverage.

Give it a whirl until some of the rice just barely starts to break up into smaller pieces. We noticed that if the rice is too broken up it will taste a little too starchy. If it isn't broken up enough, it won't steep well and won't taste like the delicious horchata you know and love.

A hand holding the lid of a blender filled with a smooth beverage.

Let It Steep

Pour the contents of your blender jar into a large bowl.

Bowl of light brown liquid with foam on top, placed on a kitchen counter.

Add the last of the water and cover the bowl. Let it sit at least 4 hours or overnight.

Measuring cup with water on a kitchen countertop.

Bowl with a mixture and lid on a kitchen counter.

After Letting It Steep

We often use either a large bowl or our soup pot. Place your colander inside.

Metal pot with a colander on top, placed on a kitchen towel.

Uncover the horchata mix and stir it up.

Bowl with layered liquid and bubbles on a kitchen counter.

Bowl of liquid ingredient on a kitchen counter.

Pour the liquid into the colander to strain out the rice. Remove the colander so you can add the last ingredients.

Add the Last Ingredients

Measure out the sugar and pour it into the bowl or pot.

Measure out the vanilla extract and add that.

Red measuring spoon beside a bottle of vanilla extract.

Last ingredient! Measure out the milk and pour it in. Mix it all up!

Measuring cup with milk container in the background.

Make sure you mix it very well. Pour it into your pitcher and place in the refrigerator to cool. Serve when cold.

A clear pitcher filled with a light-colored liquid against a natural background.

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