Real Horchata

Jun 04, 2023June 4, 20230 1

Authentic Real Horchata recipe

by The Chefin Drink

Prep

10 min + soak time

Cook

0 min

Ready In

10-24 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

138

Sugar

25g

Fat

Horchata is a traditional Mexican and Spanish beverage made from rice, sugar, cinnamon, and water. It is often served with a cinnamon stick as a garnish and enjoyed as a cooling drink in hot weather. This authentic Real Horchata recipe is easy to make from scratch and has the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and spiciness. It is a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas and energy drinks and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the rice in cold water and drain.
2.	Add the rice, cinnamon sticks, and 4 cups of water to a blender.
3.	Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the rice is finely ground.
4.	Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the remaining 4 1/2 cups of water. Stir well to combine.
5.	Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6.	Once it has rested, remove the cinnamon sticks and blend the rice mixture again until smooth.
7.	Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or large bowl, pressing down on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
8.	Discard the solids and stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved.
9.	Squeeze in the juice of half a small lemon and stir one final time. Chill the horchata in the refrigerator before serving.

PROS

Real Horchata is a refreshing, sweet and creamy drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
This homemade version tastes much better than store-bought and is free of artificial colors and flavors.

The cinnamon in the recipe imparts a warm, pleasant flavor and has several health benefits.

CONS

This recipe takes some time and effort to prepare.
You need to soak the rice overnight and then blend and strain it twice before adding sugar and lemon juice.

It is also high in sugar content.
One cup of horchata can contain up to 150 calories and 28 grams of sugar, which may not be suitable for people with diabetes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cinnamon in horchata has been known to lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It is also a good source of calcium and antioxidants.
Rice used in this recipe, is a gluten-free source of carbohydrates that provide energy for the body.

	1 cup uncooked white rice
	3 sticks cinnamon
	8 1/2 cups water
	1 cup sugar
	1/2 small lemon