Agua de Horchata is a refreshing drink of Mexican origin, known for its creamy sweetness made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. This mocktail is perfect for quenching your thirst while offering a touch of indulgence. Its mild and subtly spiced flavour makes it an ideal drink to accompany meals or simply to enjoy anytime during the day.
Ingredients
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Agave syrup
- 2 tablespoon White rice
- 15 cl Rice milk
Method
- Rinse the white rice, cover it with drinking water in a clean, covered container, and soak for 4 hours in the refrigerator at 4°C or below. If soaking overnight, keep it refrigerated throughout. Drain it just before blending.
- Place the drained rice in a blender with 10 cl of water. Blend until you get a smooth, fine paste. If you prefer a thinner texture, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove any solid bits.
- In a large bowl or jug, mix the rice paste with the rice milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar (or agave syrup). Stir well until everything is combined.
- Add ice cubes to a glass. Pour the horchata mixture over them.
- Top with a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if you like, for a decorative touch.
- For an even smoother texture, strain the mixture again before serving.
Keep the prepared drink covered in the refrigerator at 4°C or below until serving. Use chilled rice milk and follow its storage instructions. Ice added at serving does not replace refrigeration during soaking. See FDA guidance on cold storage.