Authentic Mexican Horchata That You Can Make At Home

INSIDE:Learn How to Make The Most Authentic Horchata Recipe (Mexican) Using Ingredients That You Most Likely Already Have In Your Pantry. 

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What Is Horchata?

Horchata is a delicious rice (or coconut) based drink that you can find at most Mexican restaurants in the United States and abroad.

The reason it is so popular is that it always adds a refreshing touch to any meal. I have yet to meet someone that has tried it without falling in love and being disappointed when it is gone.

If you go to any Mexican restaurant, you can probably find some version of horchata. Be careful though, because many of those are made from powder and don’t have that authentic taste you are looking for. 

Today, I want to show you how to make a truly authentic version of horchata that I learned growing up in Mexico. It will take some patience and a little bit of preparation, but the results will be worth it. 

What Can You Serve With Horchata?

Horchata goes well with almost any Mexican recipe. Here are some of my favorites. 

• Barbacoa Tacos
• Tacos al Pastor
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Tostadas
• Chorizo and Potato Tacos
• Charro Beans

One of the great things about a good horchata recipe is that you can add different ingredients to it to change the taste. For example, many people add shredded coconut or almonds. You can also use different varieties of milk such as almond milk.

Like I said above, there are many different versions depending on the country. The recipe that I am sharing today is my favorite way to make horchata, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t switch it up a bit. 

What Does Horchata Taste Like?

Horchata is smooth and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness. 

If you want to get the right flavor, then make sure that you follow these instructions perfectly. 

I have so many memories growing up of going to the local taquerias with my siblings and other family members. Part of those memories consists of ordering street tacos  with a side of delicious authentic Horchata.

Although I don’t live in Mexico anymore, I still am able to keep these memories with me by making these recipes and sharing them with my family here.

I prefer to make homemade horchata, but I will still try just about any version that I can find when I go to Mexican restaurants. Some are better than others, but they all remind me of Mexico. 

How Do You Make Horchata?

Horchata takes some effort, but it is actually pretty easy to make. You probably already have all of the ingredients (listed below) that you will need in your kitchen. 

• Rice
• Sugar
• Almonds
• Cinnamon Stick
• Vanilla Extract
• Evaporated Milk
• Milk
• Water

If you don’t already have them, don’t worry – they are easy to find and are very inexpensive.

It takes a while to soak the rice, cinnamon, and almonds in water for an extended period of time. That is so that you can ensure that all of the flavors are perfect.

The best way to do this is to start soaking the ingredients the night before. That way, you can sleep instead of just standing around waiting for this delicious drink to be ready!

UPDATE: Many of you have asked why I dispose of the water that the the rice, almonds, and cinnamon stick are soaking in. The simple reason why I do it is because that is how my abuelita taught me, and she had the best horchata around! However, another reason is because the point of the water is really just to soften the ingredients for the next step which is when you blend it. The flavor comes from the ingredients when you blend them, strain them, and then mix with the fresh water. Hope that helps!

Once you have soaked the ingredients long enough, the next steps are pretty easy. You will need to strain the water, and then blend the ingredients together with evaporated milk.

It is important to strain the resulting mix using a fine mesh strainer to avoid a gritty texture. It is still delicious, but I personally prefer a smooth taste. 

Horchat may not be something that you make every day. That said, it is perfect for special occasions like Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and New Years.

If you are feeling adventurous and are ready to try this authentic recipe, check it out below. I promise that you won’t regret it!

Products Used In This Horchata Recipe

• Fine Mesh Strainer: This is one of the most important things that you can get when making horchata. You have to strain the rice and almond pieces after you blend it. To avoid a grainy texture, you will want a fine mesh strainer. You can get one of my favorites here if you don’t already have one.
• Blender: You will need a good blender to make sure that you break everything down as much as possible. I use this one, but you can really use any high-quality blender.
• Large Drinking Glasses: Horchata is good no matter what, but it is even better drinking it from a large glass like these ones. I add a straw and lots of ice and it is delicious!
• Large Bowls: You have to soak the rice and other ingredients overnight for this recipe. That is why it is important to have large glass bowls. You can use any glass bowl that you have, but make sure that they are high quality like these.

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Horchata (Authentic Mexican Recipe)

Horchata is a delicious rice (or coconut) based drink that you can find at most Mexican restaurants in the United States and abroad.

Prep Time5 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time5 hours hrs

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: beverage, drink, horchata, mexican drink

Servings: 7 Cups

Calories: 322kcal

Author: Charbel Barker

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white rice
• 1 cup sugar adjust depending on how sweet you want - 2/3 cup of sugar if you want it less sweet.
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 1 Can 12 ounces Evaporated milk
• 1.5 cups of milk or almond milk
• 1 Liter of water
• Ice

Instructions

• Start by soaking the rice, cinnamon, and almonds in a bowl of water all night, or at least for 5 hours so that the rice softens slightly.
• Strain the water from the cinnamon, rice, and almond mixture that were soaking, disposing of water.
• Blend the cinnamon, rice, and almond mixture with evaporated milk until a smoother mix is formed and the grains of rice are completely ground.
• Strain the resulting liquid into a pitcher, and add the sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix well until everything is well combined.Add a liter of water, and serve with ice. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 8oz | Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g

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