If you are craving a luscious, comforting drink that captures the warmth of cinnamon and the soothing creaminess of rice milk, you’ve got to try this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe. It’s a traditional Mexican favorite that feels like a sweet hug in a glass, combining simple ingredients to create a deliciously refreshing and sweet beverage that’s perfect any time of year. Once you master this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, but don’t let that fool you. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and just the right hint of spice that make this drink irresistible.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The base of your horchata, rinsed well to ensure smoothness and purity of flavor.
- 4 cups water: Essential for blending and soaking the rice, bringing out its natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Or 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon if you prefer—a key spice that adds warmth and classic horchata aroma.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds the creamy texture and richness that makes this drink so indulgent.
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract: A splash of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/3 cup white sugar: Adjustable to taste; it balances the cinnamon’s spice with just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe
Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice
Start by pouring the rice into a mesh strainer and running it under cold water for about 30 seconds, or until the water runs clear. This step is crucial because it removes excess starch, preventing the drink from becoming gluey. Once rinsed, transfer the rice to your blender.
Step 2: Blend Rice with Water and Cinnamon
Add the 4 cups of water and your cinnamon stick to the blender with the rice. Blend for about 1 minute until the rice starts to break down but hasn’t turned to mush. This helps release the delicate rice and cinnamon flavors into the water.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Infuse Flavors
Pour the blended mixture into a container and refrigerate overnight. If you’re short on time, a bare minimum of 3 hours works, but letting it sit for 7 to 8 hours really allows the flavors to deepen and develop that signature richness.
Step 4: Strain and Sweeten Your Horchata
After soaking, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove the solids. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar to the strained liquid. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Serve chilled over ice, sprinkled with extra cinnamon for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a small cinnamon stick makes a gorgeous garnish for your Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe. You can also get creative with a few toasted rice grains or a light dusting of nutmeg to elevate the presentation and aroma.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs beautifully with spicy and savory Mexican dishes like tacos, tamales, or enchiladas—the cooling creaminess perfectly balances bold, vibrant flavors. It’s also great alongside sweet treats such as churros or cinnamon-sugar-dusted pastries to double down on cinnamon bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your horchata in tall glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Add fresh mint leaves or even a splash of coconut milk for a tropical vibe. Using decorative ice cubes frozen with cinnamon sticks or edible flowers can turn your drink into a showstopper at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir or shake before serving, as some ingredients may settle or separate slightly over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this horchata recipe because the creamy texture could change once thawed, and the milk might separate or become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This drink is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir continuously and avoid boiling to prevent curdling of the milk. Warmed horchata can be a cozy twist for chilly days, reminiscent of cinnamon-spiced warm milk.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can add a nuttier flavor and slightly different texture, but it may require longer soaking time to extract the flavors fully. Also, the color of the drink will be a bit darker.
Is there a dairy-free version of this horchata?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice to keep it creamy yet dairy-free. This adapts the recipe perfectly for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this horchata sweetener-free?
Sure thing! If you prefer a less sweet or sugar-free version, you can reduce the sugar significantly or use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Just adjust to your taste.
Can I prepare this drink quickly?
The key to great horchata is the soaking time, but if you’re in a rush, you can blend the rice and water for longer to extract more flavor, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. The flavor won’t be as developed but still delightful.
What is the purpose of blending the rice initially?
Blending breaks down the rice just enough to release its starches and flavor into the water. This creates the signature creamy texture and smoothness that defines the Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe, it will likely become your go-to refresher for any occasion. Its simple ingredients blend into a luxuriously creamy and spiced treat that’s both soothing and exciting for your taste buds. Pour yourself a glass, sip slowly, and enjoy the wonderful cozy flavors that only homemade horchata can bring. You’ll be sharing this recipe with friends before you know it!
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Creamy Cinnamon Rice Drink (Horchata) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Mexican Horchata is a refreshing and creamy rice-based drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfectly sweetened and chilled, it’s a delightful way to cool down on a warm day or accompany spicy dishes. Made by blending soaked rice with cinnamon, then strained and mixed with milk and sugar, this homemade horchata balances creamy and spicy flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (rinsed until water is clear)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup white sugar (up to 2/3 cup to sweeten more)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Pour the rice into a mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds or until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and impurities.
- Blend with Water and Cinnamon: Add the rinsed rice to the blender along with 4 cups of water and the cinnamon stick. Blend for about 1 minute until the rice is slightly broken up, helping to release the flavors.
- Soak Overnight: Transfer the blended mixture to the refrigerator and let it soak overnight (ideally 7-8 hours) to fully infuse the cinnamon and soften the rice particles.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the soaked rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the rice solids. This yields a smooth liquid base for the horchata.
- Add Flavorings and Sweeten: Stir in the vanilla extract, milk, and sugar to taste (start with 1/3 cup and add more if desired), mixing until fully combined.
- Serve: Serve the horchata over ice and optionally sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for garnish and extra flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- Using a cinnamon stick provides a more subtle, authentic flavor compared to ground cinnamon.
- Soaking the rice overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the horchata.
- Leftover horchata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
