If you have ever dreamed of a drink that effortlessly combines creamy tropical flavors with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, then this Coconut Horchata Recipe is destined to become your new favorite refreshment. It’s a luscious twist on the classic Mexican horchata, swapping out the traditional milk with rich coconut milk for an irresistible, creamy texture and a hint of island bliss. Whether you’re craving a cooling summer drink or a cozy beverage to enjoy any time, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and coconutty goodness all in one glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple, yet each plays a vital role in creating the unique, refreshing flavor and creamy texture of the Coconut Horchata Recipe. From the fragrant cinnamon to the smooth coconut milk, every item here contributes depth and character to your final drink.
- 1 cup white rice (long grain, uncooked): The base of the horchata, soaking up flavors and providing a creamy body when blended.
- 1 cinnamon stick (broken in half): Adds warm, comforting spice notes that subtly infuse the drink.
- 4 cups water: The soaking liquid that helps soften the rice and extract flavor.
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk: Brings rich, tropical creaminess that makes this horchata truly special.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Provides that perfect touch of sweetness to balance the spices and coconut flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Helps brighten all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish): A beautiful finishing touch that amplifies the cinnamon notes and adds visual appeal.
How to Make Coconut Horchata Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Rice and Cinnamon
Start by combining the white rice, broken cinnamon stick, and water in a large bowl. Let this mix soak for at least 6 hours or better yet, overnight. This step softens the rice perfectly and allows the cinnamon to infuse the water with its warm, aromatic flavor, setting the foundation for your delicious horchata.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
After soaking, pour the entire mixture into a blender. Blend until the rice pieces break down completely and the liquid turns smooth and milky. This blending process transforms your mixture into that luscious, creamy base essential for a great horchata.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher. Straining removes any leftover rice solids to give you a perfectly smooth and silky horchata. Take your time here to ensure the most delicate texture.
Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Flavorings
Now, stir in the full-fat coconut milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and just a pinch of salt. These ingredients enhance the creaminess and create a beautifully balanced flavor profile. Stir until everything is combined, and the sugar has fully dissolved.
Step 5: Taste and Chill
Give your horchata a little taste test and adjust the sweetness if needed. Then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. The flavors marry beautifully during this time, and it transforms into the refreshingly cool drink you’re craving.
Step 6: Serve Over Ice
Pour your chilled Coconut Horchata Recipe over a tall glass of ice and finish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick as garnish. This classic presentation adds an inviting aroma and an extra touch of charm to each sip.
How to Serve Coconut Horchata Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of ground cinnamon really elevates the drink’s aroma and visual appeal. For a rustic, charming look, a cinnamon stick stirred right into the glass doubles as a flavorful stirrer. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, refreshing garnish that pairs excellently with the richness of coconut.
Side Dishes
Coconut horchata pairs wonderfully with light, spicy snacks or desserts. Think fresh tropical fruit, churros with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even spicy tacos where the cool, sweet drink offers the perfect counterbalance. It’s versatile enough to brighten any meal or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this Coconut Horchata Recipe inside hollowed-out young coconuts or colorful glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar. You could also layer it with a cold brew coffee for a unique horchata-coffee fusion that wakes up your taste buds. The creamy texture invites endless creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Coconut Horchata Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or pitcher. Before serving again, give it a good stir or shake because some settling may occur.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this drink as the texture can change, causing separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled from the refrigerator for maximum creaminess and flavor.
Reheating
Horchata is traditionally served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you’d like a warm version, gently warm it on the stove without boiling, then enjoy it like a cozy spiced coconut latte.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While white rice is traditional for the smooth texture it provides, you can use brown rice. Expect a nuttier flavor and a slightly grainier texture, so soaking longer may be necessary.
Is full-fat coconut milk necessary?
Full-fat coconut milk delivers the richest, creamiest flavor. Using light coconut milk will work but results in a thinner, less indulgent horchata.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This Coconut Horchata Recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, thanks to the use of coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, making it perfect for those with dietary preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe quicker?
The soaking step is essential for the rice to fully soften and infuse the flavors, so while the active prep is short, soaking overnight is highly recommended for the best results.
How sweet should the horchata be?
Sweetness preference varies, so start with 1/3 cup sugar and adjust to your taste. You can also substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a perfectly made Coconut Horchata Recipe — it’s refreshing, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re sipping it on a hot day or serving it at your next gathering, this recipe has a way of bringing smiles with every creamy, cinnamon-kissed drop. Give it a try and enjoy a little tropical escape in every glass!
Print
Coconut Horchata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Coconut Horchata is a creamy, refreshing Mexican-inspired beverage made by blending soaked rice with cinnamon, coconut milk, and vanilla. This naturally sweet and aromatic drink is perfect for a cooling treat served over ice, offering a delightful twist on traditional horchata with the rich flavor of coconut.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (long grain, uncooked)
- 1 cinnamon stick (broken in half)
- 4 cups water
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Soak Rice and Cinnamon: In a large bowl, combine the white rice, broken cinnamon stick, and water. Allow this mixture to soak for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to soften the rice and infuse the water with cinnamon flavor.
- Blend Mixture: Transfer the soaked rice, cinnamon stick, and soaking water into a blender. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, breaking down the rice thoroughly.
- Strain Liquids: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing or squeezing gently to remove all solids and extract maximum liquid, leaving a smooth base for the horchata.
- Add Coconut Milk and Flavorings: Add the full-fat coconut milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the strained liquid. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely and the ingredients are well combined.
- Adjust Sweetness and Chill: Taste the horchata and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more sugar. Refrigerate the beverage for at least 1 hour to chill and let the flavors meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the coconut horchata over ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight enhances the flavor and makes blending easier.
- Use canned full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- For a smoother texture, strain twice if needed.
- This drink is best consumed within 2-3 days when kept refrigerated.
