Traditional Horchata Recipe

Beat the heat and banish hangovers with this creamy, dreamy Traditional Horchata! This refreshing rice-based beverage, a beloved breakfast staple in many cultures, boasts a subtly sweet and subtly spiced flavor profile thanks to the perfect blend of rice, almonds, cinnamon (canella), lime zest, and sugar. Dairy-free and utterly delicious, our recipe unveils the secrets to achieving the perfect horchata, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Discover the magic of this ancient elixir!

Prep Time 370 mins
Cook Time 370 mins
Calories 347.5 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Traditional Horchata 16

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Traditional Horchata

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How to Make Traditional Horchata

  1. Rinse 1 cup of uncooked white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup of blanched almonds, 4 cinnamon sticks (canella), and the zest of 2 limes.
  3. Add 8 cups of water and let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
  4. Once soaked, blend the mixture until completely smooth using a high-speed blender. You may need to do this in batches.
  5. Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing firmly on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Return the strained horchata to the bowl and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference).
  7. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly.
  9. Serve chilled over ice. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

139g

Fat

5g

Carbs

16g