Creamy Homemade Horchata Recipe with Fresh Cinnamon
This creamy homemade horchata is an authentic Mexican drink made with fresh cinnamon, rice, milk, and vanilla. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion, delivering a nostalgic, cinnamon-scented hug in a glass.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 6 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (3–4 inches each, preferably Ceylon)
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup raw almonds (soaked with rice)
- Optional: Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rice and cinnamon sticks. Add cold water, stir, cover, and soak for at least 6 hours or overnight at room temperature.
- Pour the soaked rice, cinnamon, and water into a blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until smooth and frothy.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag, fine-mesh strainer, or cheesecloth-lined colander into a large bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
- Pour the strained liquid into a large pitcher. Add milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Stir well before serving, as rice sediment settles. Pour over ice and garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
Soak rice and cinnamon overnight for best flavor and creaminess. For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based milk and coconut condensed milk or extra sugar. Stir before serving as rice sediment settles. Add almonds for a nuttier flavor. Serve ice-cold for maximum refreshment. Horchata keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (8 ounces)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: horchata, Mexican drink, cinnamon, rice milk, creamy, authentic, easy, summer beverage, dairy-free option, vegan option