Horchata is a creamy drink made from rice and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It might sound unusual if you haven’t tried it, but it’s delicious—especially alongside spicy Mexican food. Originally published July 21, 2015.
Table of Contents
- The best vanilla bean horchata drink
- You’ll love this horchata drink
- What is horchata?
- What does horchata taste like?
- Horchata ingredients
- How to make the best horchata recipe
- How to store horchata leftovers
- Best horchata recipe FAQs
- Best Horchata Recipe
Last weekend my brother Nathan and I planned a simple Steak, Shake, and Movie night. We only intended to buy steaks and ice cream—pure and simple. After picking out steaks and ice cream, I reached for my keys and discovered they weren’t in my pocket.
When I go anywhere without my kids I feel inexplicably liberated: no diapers, no wipes, no extra socks, no scattered toys. I grab phone, keys, and wallet and head out feeling free. Apparently that freedom makes me forgetful.
Nathan peered into the car and announced, “Keys are inside.” I felt relieved—better to have them locked in the car than misplaced entirely. Then he opened the door. The car was unlocked. And the keys were in the ignition. The engine was running. I had driven to the store, parked, left the vehicle running, and then bought ice cream. Priorities, clearly.
After that minor crisis I needed a calming treat. Not alcohol—horchata. Horchata has been a favorite of mine since childhood. Growing up in California, taquerias with fresh horchata were common, and that cool, vanilla-cinnamon richness feels like the perfect complement to spicy salsa and crunchy chips.
The best vanilla bean horchata drink
If you love vanilla and cinnamon, this version of horchata will likely become a summer staple. Two ingredients give it a rich, rounded flavor: sweetened condensed milk for creamy sweetness and premium vanilla bean paste for real vanilla depth without scraping pods. The result is smooth, fragrant, and endlessly drinkable.
It’s easy to make at home, but it does require some time to steep—plan ahead and make it the night before. Serve very cold over ice for best results.
You’ll love this horchata drink
Horchata is versatile: it’s a great match for Mexican and Tex‑Mex meals, but it’s also a refreshing everyday beverage in hot weather. Lightly sweet and creamy with prominent notes of vanilla and cinnamon, horchata’s subtle rice undertone makes it unique compared to other milk-style drinks.
What is horchata?
Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink traditionally made by soaking rice (or other ingredients in regional variations), then blending and straining the mixture. The Mexican-style horchata is rice-based and is usually flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar.
What does horchata taste like?
Expect a smooth, sweet flavor with clear vanilla and cinnamon notes. The rice adds a gentle body and subtle grainy flavor that makes horchata distinct from regular milk or rice milk. It’s comforting, slightly creamy, and very refreshing when served cold.
Horchata ingredients
Here’s a quick shopping list. The recipe below gives exact amounts and full instructions.
- long grain white rice
- cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon)
- milk
- vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- sweetened condensed milk
How to make the best horchata recipe
Rinse the uncooked rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rinsed rice to a blender.
Add water and the cinnamon sticks, then blend for about one minute, until the rice and cinnamon are broken up. Cover and refrigerate the blended mixture for several hours or overnight so the flavors can infuse.
When chilled, strain the liquid through a fine mesh into a pitcher and discard the solids. Stir in sweetened condensed milk, milk or cream, and vanilla. Adjust sweetness and cinnamon to taste. Serve over ice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if you like.
How to store horchata leftovers
Store horchata in the refrigerator for up to five days. It will keep longer if frozen, but freezing can slightly change the texture. I often keep small portions frozen so I can thaw a glassful when a craving hits.
Best horchata recipe FAQs
No. Traditional rice-based horchata contains no caffeine. It’s made from rice, water, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla—no coffee, tea, or chocolate.
Mexican horchata is rice based. Spanish horchata is typically made from chufa (tiger nut) and has a nutty, slightly sweeter profile. Both are refreshing but use very different base ingredients.
What to serve with this easy horchata recipe
Horchata pairs wonderfully with many Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes. Here are a few ideas to enjoy alongside your horchata:
- Taqueria-style chicken tacos
- Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas
- Carne asada with mojo marinade
- Mexican street corn dip (elote)
- Beer-battered fish tacos
- Slow cooker pork tacos with Mexican coleslaw
Try out these other awesome summer drinks!
If you enjoy homemade drinks, try cucumber-lime punch, basil lemonade, or Brazilian limeade for different refreshing options.
Best Horchata Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 2 cinnamon sticks, or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup water (additional, to taste)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup cream (or extra milk)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Place the rinsed rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a blender (blend in batches if needed).
- Add 6 cups water, the vanilla bean paste, and the cinnamon sticks.
- Blend for about 1 minute, until the rice and cinnamon have broken up.
- Refrigerate the blended mixture for at least 3–4 hours; 8 hours (overnight) is ideal to let the flavors develop.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing to extract liquid. Discard the solids.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, the additional 1 cup water (or to taste), whole milk, cream, and sugar. Stir well, taste, and adjust sweetness, vanilla, or cinnamon as desired.
- Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy cold. Horchata is a lovely complement to any Mexican-style meal.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1 (recipe makes about 9 servings). Calories: approximately 220 kcal per serving. Carbohydrates: ~42 g, Protein: ~4 g, Fat: ~4 g. Values are estimates.