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
Scale
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.
