Easy Mexican Horchata (Cinnamon Rice Drink)
There is nothing better in the summer to get a refreshing drink. Make this easy Mexican Horchata or cinnamon rice drink and serve it with spicy meals. This recipe is also dairy-free and nut-free.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 287kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups unsweetened rice milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Place the rice milk, sugar, and ground cinnamon into a blender.
- If you use a vanilla bean, cut it half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mix. Otherwise, if you use vanilla extract, add it to the milk.
- Blend until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour into tall glasses filled with ice and garnish with cinnamon sticks for stirring.
Notes
Use unsweetened rice milk, or adjust the amount of sugar that the recipe requires.
Some horchatas are made with milk, coconut milk, or even almond milk. Use what you like and make this recipe your own.
A blender is a good tool to make Mexican Aguas Frescas. However, if you don't own one, use a whisk.
Can I replace the sugar with other sweeteners?
Yes. Honey is a good option. While you can use maple syrup, I feel like it would change the flavor of this horchata. If you need a sugar-free option, stevia is the way to go.
How to handle vanilla bean: cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mix. Do not throw away the pod. Reserve it to make vanilla sugar by placing the pod in a jar with granulated sugar that you would use for baking.
If you use vanilla extract: Use about a teaspoon of vanilla extract in the mixture.
If you are in Europe and have these little bags of Dr. Oetker Bourbon Vanilla Sugar: Measure ½ cup of sugar, remove 1 tablespoon from it and add a bag of vanilla sugar to it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 0.4mg