Make your own Authentic Horchata! A wonderfully milky Mexican beverage made with rice and almonds, lightly sweetened with sugar and enhanced with cinnamon and vanilla.
We first experienced Horchata during a visit to Mexico, where street vendors in colorful clothing were selling it by iced glassfuls. This nectar of the gods, so to speak, is creamy and rich with cinnamon.
You’ll Need:
1 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
1/4 c. blanched almonds (these can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand)
5 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 sticks cinnamon
1/3 cup white sugar
Combine the rice and water into a blender and blend for 2 minutes straight. Add the blanched almonds and cinnamon sticks and let it set at room temperature overnight.
Strain the rice water into a pitcher and discard the rice (or use it in a rice pudding recipe!)
Add the milk, vanilla, and sugar into the rice water, stirring well to thoroughly mix.
Chill and stir well, serve in a tall glass over ice.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / dolphy
