How to Make Authentic Mexican Horchata at Home

PHOTO BY CATS COMING ON PEXELS

Get ready to explore the refreshing world of Mexican horchata, a delicious rice-based drink that can elevate any meal. This creamy beverage combines rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a sweet and nutty flavor that’s both satisfying and thirst-quenching.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a local taqueria or making it at home, horchata is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Mexican flavors.

Soak the Rice

To make delicious horchata, start with long-grain white rice. Measure about 1 cup of rice for a standard batch.

Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with enough water to submerge it completely. Soaking for at least 4 hours helps soften the rice.

For best results, you can soak it overnight.

Check out this recipe for soaking the rice:

Blend and Strain

To make horchata, you’ll first want to blend your ingredients well. Start by combining soaked rice, water, cinnamon, and any sweeteners in your blender. Blend until smooth.

Next, grab a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the blended mixture through it into a large bowl. This will catch the rice solids while letting the liquid flow through.

Make sure to squeeze or press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

See how this step is done in this recipe:

Sweeten and Serve

To sweeten your horchata, you have a few options. Traditional recipes often use granulated sugar. Start with about ½ cup for a batch.

You can also try honey, agave syrup, or brown sugar for different flavors. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Serve chilled over ice in a glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. Enjoy this refreshing drink anytime!

Here’s a review of this drink: