How to Make Sweet, Creamy Horchata
- Ranjani
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Our Mexican month has been full of spicy salsas, cheesy burritos, and crunchy tortilla chips. But every fiery fiesta needs something cool and soothing on the side. Enter Horchata de Arroz, the beloved Mexican drink that feels like a sweet cinnamon hug in a glass. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, refreshing, and perfect to serve after tacos, enchiladas, or even as a midday pick-me-up. Best of all, you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
4 cups water (for soaking)
2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
2 cups milk (dairy or almond milk works beautifully)
½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but adds lovely flavor)
Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the uncooked rice, then place it in a blender with 2 cups of water and the cinnamon sticks. Blend lightly until the rice is just broken up (don’t turn it into powder). Add the remaining water and let it sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want deeper flavor.
After soaking, strain the rice water through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Discard the rice solids and cinnamon sticks.
Stir in the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness—Mexican horchata is meant to be sweet but not overwhelming.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. When ready, pour over ice cubes and sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon for that extra charm.
Tips & Serving Ideas
Vegan version: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk.
Extra creamy: Add 2–3 tbsp condensed milk for richness.
Festive twist: Serve in mason jars with colorful paper straws to bring out that Mexican fiesta vibe!
One sip of horchata and you’ll see why it’s loved across Mexico. It’s refreshing yet comforting, sweet but balanced, and always makes the perfect pairing with spicy dishes. In our home, it quickly became the favorite “cool down” drink after salsa nights. So next time your meal feels a little too fiery, let horchata bring the calm—it’s Mexico’s way of wrapping you in sweetness. 💛