Quick and Easy Horchata Recipe for a Refreshing Treat
A creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced beverage made with rice, cinnamon, and sweetened milk. This modern twist skips overnight soaking, using ice and chill for a smooth texture. Customize sweetness and serve chilled or over crushed ice.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 180
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Cold Brew
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked white rice
4 cups hot water
2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
3 cups cold water
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
¼–½ cup sugar (optional)
Crushed ice for serving
Instructions
Combine rice, hot water, and cinnamon in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds, refrigerate 2–3 hours.
Reblend for 30–60 seconds to emulsify.
Strain through cheesecloth-lined sieve, pressing liquid into a pitcher.
Add evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar (if using). Stir.
Chill for 1 hour. Serve over crushed ice or cold.
Notes
Chilling softens rice and thickens texture
Skip sugar for lower-sugar option
Use honey/maple syrup as sweetener alternative
Strain thoroughly for smoother consistency
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg