Description
Horchata is a refreshing and easy-to-make plant-based drink combining long grain rice, natural spices, and gentle sweetness. This creamy and smooth beverage is perfect chilled on a hot day or as a soothing companion to light snacks, offering a versatile and customizable taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 4 cups cold water (for soaking)
- 2 cups plant-based milk
Flavors and Sweeteners
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup reserved soaking water
- Additional ground cinnamon (natural), for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long grain rice until the water runs clear. Transfer to a large bowl and cover with 4 cups of cold water. Let soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften the grains thoroughly.
- Blend the Rice Mixture: Drain the soaked rice, reserving the soaking water. Place the soaked rice in a blender with 2 cups of plant-based milk, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural). Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Strain for Smoothness: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag into a large pitcher, extracting as much liquid as possible while leaving the rice pulp behind.
- Sweeten and Chill: Stir in 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural) and 1 cup of the reserved soaking water. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir the Horchata well before serving over ice cubes. Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon (natural) and enjoy.
Notes
- Longer rice soaking improves flavor extraction and blending ease.
- Use a fine sieve or cloth to ensure a smooth, pulp-free texture.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity after chilling to suit your preferred sweetness.
- Toast cinnamon stick (natural) before blending for deeper spice aroma.
- Always serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 4 hours soaking
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: horchata, plant-based drink, cinnamon drink, vegan beverage, gluten free drink, refreshing drink, natural sweetener