Traditional Mexican Horchata
Indulge in a refreshingly creamy Traditional Mexican Horchata, a comforting beverage popularly served in Mexican ice-cream shops or 'neverias'. This recipe captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors by blending rice to perfection. Although soaking the rice overnight is optional, this method effectively extracts the rich starch and genuine taste. Perfect for a warm day, this chilled sweet drink is a delightful treat that's easy to prepare.
6
Servings
145
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
3/4 cup (rinsed)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (or 1-inch cinnamon stick)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (preferably Mexican)
sweetened condensed milk
1/2-3/4 cup
water
as necessary
Instructions
1
Rinse the rice thoroughly in a colander under cold running water to remove excess starch.
2
Place the rinsed rice in a blender and cover with water, ensuring that the water level is about an inch above the rice. Allow it to soak for 5-10 minutes.
3
Add vanilla extract and cinnamon to the soaked rice in the blender. Blend until the mixture is finely ground and well combined.
4
Strain the blended mixture through a fine colander or a cheesecloth into a large pitcher to separate the liquid from the ground rice.
5
Return the ground rice solids to the blender, adding sweetened condensed milk and around 2 cups of water. Blend once more until smooth.
6
Strain the second blended mixture into the pitcher, ensuring no rice solids remain.
7
Gradually add extra water to the pitcher, one cup at a time, until the desired sweetness and consistency are achieved. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
8
Serve the horchata over ice for a chilling and satisfying refreshment.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
27g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
16.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Mexican Horchata?
It is a refreshingly creamy beverage made from blended rice and cinnamon, popularly served in Mexican ice-cream shops called neverias.
What are the primary ingredients in this Horchata recipe?
The main ingredients include rice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, and water.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Why should I rinse the rice before starting?
Rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold running water removes excess starch to ensure the best texture.
Is it necessary to soak the rice overnight?
Soaking the rice overnight is optional, but it is a highly effective method for extracting rich starch and genuine taste.
How long is the minimum soak time for the rice?
The rinsed rice should be placed in a blender with water and allowed to soak for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
What type of vanilla is recommended for this recipe?
Preferably Mexican vanilla extract should be used for an authentic flavor.
Can I use a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon?
Yes, you can use a 1-inch cinnamon stick as an alternative to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How many calories are in a serving of this Horchata?
There are approximately 145 calories in a single serving.
Is this beverage alcoholic?
No, this is a traditional non-alcoholic refreshing drink.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16.7g of sugar.
What makes this Horchata creamy?
The creaminess comes from the starch extracted from the blended rice combined with sweetened condensed milk.
How do I strain the rice mixture?
Strain the blended mixture through a fine colander or a cheesecloth into a large pitcher to separate the liquid from the ground rice.
What do I do with the rice solids after the first strain?
Return the ground rice solids to the blender and blend them once more with sweetened condensed milk and water until smooth.
Why do I blend the rice twice?
Blending twice ensures you extract the maximum amount of flavor and starch from the rice solids.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Gradually add extra water to the pitcher one cup at a time until your desired sweetness and consistency are achieved.
What is a 'neveria'?
A neveria is a traditional Mexican ice-cream shop where horchata is a common and popular menu item.
At what temperature should Horchata be served?
It should be served chilled over ice for a satisfying and cooling refreshment.
How much protein does this drink contain?
This horchata contains 3.3g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content?
The total fat content is 4.2g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of rinsed rice.
What amount of ground cinnamon is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for this recipe.
How much vanilla extract should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How much sweetened condensed milk is used?
You should use between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
Can I add more water than the recipe specifies?
Yes, add water as necessary until you reach the consistency you prefer.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, this is a delightful treat that is described as easy to prepare.
What should the rice look like after blending?
The rice should be finely ground and well combined with the liquids.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data for fiber in this recipe is not specified.
Is there any sodium in this Horchata?
The sodium content for this recipe is not provided.