Creamy Homemade Horchata Recipe Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Drink at Home
A creamy, cinnamon-spiced traditional Mexican drink made with soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and milk. This easy recipe delivers a silky texture and comforting flavor perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute with honey or agave syrup)
- 4 cups whole milk (can substitute with almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 cups filtered water
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear (2-3 rinses). Transfer to a large bowl and add 2 cups filtered water and 2 cinnamon sticks. Soak for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Remove cinnamon sticks from soaking liquid and set aside. Pour soaked rice and water into a blender. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until rice is broken down and mixture is milky and smooth.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl. Press solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard or save rice pulp for baking.
- Stir in 4 cups whole milk and ½ cup granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener). Mix until sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Refrigerate horchata for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled over ice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.
Notes
Soaking the rice overnight yields the best flavor and smoothness. Blend thoroughly for a silky texture. Strain well to avoid gritty texture. Use real cinnamon sticks for authentic flavor. Adjust sweetness gradually. Chill before serving for best taste. Can substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk for vegan/dairy-free version. Rice pulp can be saved for baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: horchata, creamy horchata, cinnamon vanilla drink, homemade horchata, Mexican drink, rice drink, cinnamon drink, easy horchata recipe