Non-Dairy Horchata

Horchata is a thick, creamy, and sweet rice-cinnamon drink found at most Mexican restaurants that is similar to rice milk. It is simple and inexpensive to prepare and makes for a refreshing drink in the summer. This recipe uses basmati rice and cardamom for an authentic flavor and aroma.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 234 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white sugar
• 5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or more to taste
• ¾ cup basmati rice
• 6 cardamom pods, seeds removed and crushed
• ⅓ cup peeled, slivered almonds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place rice in a blender and grind to a fine texture. Transfer to a large pitcher. Add crushed cardamom and cinnamon.

Step 2

Grind almonds and 1/3 cup water together in the blender. Add to rice mixture in the pitcher. Add 4 cups water and stir. Cover pitcher and let horchata sit 8 hours to overnight.

Step 3

Transfer horchata to the blender and add sugar. Blend, gradually adding 2/3 cup water, until smooth. Pour mixture through cheesecloth into a separate container, squeezing gently to extract the milk. Refrigerate horchata 15 minutes before serving.