Traditional Mexican Horchata

Recipe by Ana Frias, owner of the website, “Muy Delish”

Serves 12 cups

“Learn how to make the authentic Horchata drink that everyone loves! With this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll be able to make the best homemade Horchata recipe made with a few simple ingredients. Skip the store-bought mixes and use this easy recipe right at home!”

1 cup uncooked white rice

2 cinnamon sticks

1-12 oz. can evaporated milk

1-12 oz. can condensed milk

8 cups of warm water divided

Sugar for taste

Ground cinnamon to garnish (optional)

1/2 of a teaspoon of vanilla (optional)

4 cups of water

Wash and drain the rice. Place the rice, cinnamon sticks and 4 cups of water into a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight (preferably) or a minimum of 4 hours.

Once you’re ready to blend the rice, remove most of the cinnamon sticks but it’s okay to leave small pieces with the rice.

Blend the rice in two separate batches by adding 1/2 of the rice & water with some of the cinnamon stick left behind.

Puree until it’s very smooth and it forms a paste like texture. About 4 minutes long.

Using a very fine strainer (or some cheese cloth) pour the blended mixture over a pitcher. Strain out as much liquid as possible, pushing on the solids with a spatula or spoon.

Repeat this process for the rest of the rice, water & cinnamon mixture.

Stir in the milks, vanilla (0ptional), and 4 cups of water. Stir well.

Taste and add more sugar or water if needed.

Chill and stir before serving over ice.