Go Back
Horchata Recipe

Easy Homemade Horchata Recipe

This traditional horchata recipe creates the perfect creamy Mexican rice drink that's both refreshing and satisfying. Made with simple pantry staples like rice, cinnamon, and milk, this authentic horchata rivals any restaurant version with its smooth, cinnamon-spiced flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 glasses
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 269
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks or Ceylon cinnamon
  • 4 cups hot water divided
  • 2 cups whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste, up to 1/2 cup

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Pitcher
  • Cheesecloth (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Base: Add rice, 2 cups hot water, and cinnamon sticks to your blender. Blend until the rice and cinnamon are roughly chopped, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the remaining hot water and blend again for 30 seconds.
  2. Soak Overnight: Transfer the mixture to a pitcher or container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the rice to soften completely and the cinnamon to infuse throughout.
  3. Strain and Finish: Pour the soaked mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher. Press the solids to extract maximum liquid, then discard the rice pulp. Stir in milk, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and sugar to taste.
  4. Serve: Stir well before serving and serve over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and light dusting of ground cinnamon for authentic presentation.

Notes

Storage: Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before each serving as separation is normal.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
Cinnamon Tip: Mexican cinnamon (canela) or Ceylon cinnamon provides the most authentic flavor.