Creamy Horchata Recipe Easy Homemade Mexican Cinnamon Rice Drink
A creamy, authentic Mexican cinnamon rice drink that is easy to make, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a soaking method to deliver a smooth, flavorful horchata.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes active prep plus soaking time
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: At least 4 hours soaking plus 10 minutes prep and 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups (960ml) water for soaking and blending
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup (200g) of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice and 2 large cinnamon sticks in a large bowl or pitcher. Add 4 cups (960ml) of cold water. Cover and let soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer the rice and soaking water to a blender. Blend on high for about 1-2 minutes until the rice is roughly ground and the mixture looks milky and smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher or bowl. Use a spoon to press and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the rice pulp or save it for baking recipes if desired.
- Stir in 2 cups (480ml) of whole milk, 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over ice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.
Notes
Soaking the rice and cinnamon sticks overnight is key for full flavor and soft texture. Blend just enough to avoid bitterness. Strain thoroughly for a silky smooth drink. Adjust sweetness to taste. For stronger cinnamon flavor, steep an extra cinnamon stick in milk on low heat before mixing. Can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces (240ml)
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: horchata, creamy horchata, Mexican cinnamon rice drink, homemade horchata, cinnamon drink, rice drink, easy horchata recipe