Horchata

The Mexican Horchata is a refreshing, creamy beverage originating from Latin America, particularly popular in Mexico and Spain. It boasts a delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness, with a hint of cinnamon. This tantalizing drink is typically made from ground almonds, rice, or tiger nuts, blended with water and infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetened with sugar. Served over ice, it’s the perfect antidote to a hot day or a flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice thoroughly.
2. In a blender, combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water. Blend on high speed until the rice and cinnamon are finely ground, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop.
5. After soaking, remove the cinnamon sticks from the mixture and discard them.
6. Working in batches, pour the rice mixture into a fine-mesh sieve set over a pitcher or large bowl. Use a spoon to press down on the rice to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the rice solids.
7. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the strained horchata. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
8. Refrigerate the horchata until chilled, about 1-2 hours.
9. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled horchata over the ice. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Stir the horchata before serving, as it may settle slightly during chilling.

Conclusion: Enjoy the classic flavors of Mexico with this homemade dairy-free horchata. Whether you’re sipping it by the pool or pairing it with your favorite Mexican dishes, this refreshing beverage is sure to be a hit all summer long. Try this traditional horchata recipe with rice and cinnamon for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.