How long does it take to make Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon?

This recipe takes PT8H10M in total, including PT10M of prep time.

How many calories are in Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon?

Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon contains approximately 150 kcal per serving.

What are the main ingredients in Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon?

The key ingredients are: 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon

Name: Mexican Horchata – Sweet Rice Drink Recipe with Cinnamon
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 cups water; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Ice cubes

The Story Behind Horchata

Mexican Horchata is a drink with a history that stretches from ancient Egypt to medieval Spain to the streets of Mexico. The original horchata, made from tiger nuts (chufa), was brought to Spain by the Moors in the Middle Ages. Spanish colonizers then carried the concept to Mexico, where, lacking tiger nuts, resourceful cooks substituted white rice — and the result was arguably better. Mexican Rice Horchata, fragrant with cinnamon and sweetened with sugar, became a cornerstone of Mexican beverages, served alongside meals and at celebrations. The drink is central to the "aguas frescas" tradition — a range of fruit and grain-based waters served in large glass jars at restaurants and market stalls throughout Mexico. Cool, creamy, and comforting, horchata is one of those drinks that tastes like history with every sip.

Time and Servings:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soak Time: 8 hours (overnight)
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugar: 18g
Calcium: 30mg

Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Soak the Rice:
- In a large bowl or pitcher, combine 1 cup of long-grain white rice and 2 cinnamon sticks.
- Pour 4 cups of water over the rice and cinnamon.
- Cover and let the mixture soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to soften the rice and infuse the water with cinnamon flavor.
Blend the Mixture:
- Transfer the soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water into a blender.
- Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract all the liquid.
Sweeten and Serve:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
- Taste the horchata and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Serve over ice cubes in glasses for a cool, refreshing drink.

Tips for Success:

For an extra creamy horchata, add 1/4 cup of evaporated milk or almond milk when mixing in the sugar and vanilla.
Use fresh cinnamon sticks for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
Store leftover horchata in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stirring well before serving.