This Almond and Rice Mexican Horchata is easy to make, and incredibly creamy and delicious! And naturally dairy free too. A very refreshing drink that can be enjoyed year round! EASY- This recipe is very easy to make. Using blanched almonds will make the process faster, since blanching almonds is the most time consuming part of the recipe. There is an overnight soaking step in the recipe.
1 ½cupraw almondsblanched is easier, but you can blanch them yourself too
2cupshot boiling water
2 - 3cupscold wateror regular water, I use about 2 ½ cups
⅓cupsugarmore if you like it sweeter
2stickscinnamonabout 3 - 4 inches long each
¼tspground nutmegfreshly ground preferred,
2tspvanilla
Instructions
Blanching raw almonds (if they have the skin)
You can skip this step if you already have blanched almonds.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the raw almonds and blanch the almonds for 1 minute.
1 ½ cup raw almonds
Drain the water from the almonds and let the almonds cool down slightly. Remove the almond skin from all of the almonds (they just need a little squeeze and the skin comes right off).
Horchata
Transfer the rice, blanched almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla into the blender. Add the 2 cups of hot boiling water. Cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight.
½ cup raw white rice, 1 ½ cup raw almonds, 2 sticks cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups hot boiling water
Next day, add the sugar, and extra cold water and run the blender until the rice and almonds are finely ground and completely blended.
⅓ cup sugar, 2 - 3 cups cold water
Use a nut bag or cheesecloth to completely strain the mix. Chill and serve ice cold or with ice. Enjoy!
Notes
Note about the almonds
You can choose not to blanch the almonds as well because the almond skin will get filtered out in the end. However, I find that the horchata also results in a darker color if blended with the skins on.
For a creamier result
You can substitute the cold water with a plant based milk (to keep it vegan / dairy free)Oat milk, cashew milk or almond milk work well. You can also use regular milk or evaporated milk if you prefer too (not vegan).