Almond-Flavored Rice Drink

Horchata de Almendra
Horchata, a cold, refreshing drink made with rice or melon seeds steeped in and mixed with water or milk, is made all over Mexico. I like this pleasant-tasting version with toasted almonds blended into the mixture. Horchata is sold on the street, in market food stalls, and in some restaurants. It is drunk as a quick refreshment anytime.
Share on Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Makes about 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground toasted almonds
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Mexican canela or Ceylon variety preferred
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a small bowl mix the rice with ½ cup water.
  • In another small bowl mix the toasted almonds with ½ cup water.
  • Let stand to soak, 1 hour.
  • Pour the rice and the soaking water into a blender jar and blend on high speed 1 minute.
  • Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a 1-quart glass container.
  • Pour the almonds and the soaking water, the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla into the same blender jar and blend on high speed 1 minute.
  • Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into the container with the rice.
  • Stir in 1¾ cups of cold water.
  • Refrigerate until cold.
  • S

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Serve over ice.
————————————————————————————————–
Cuisine Mexican