Fresh Horchata

Chances are that you had this drink before at a Mexican restaurant or from the store bought powder mixes. I can guarantee you that nothing compares to making it from scratch. This is the most easy and delicious drink for all year. It's made with rice, water and cinnamon with some vanilla for bold flavor. Make this ahead and you might want to double the recipe. I promise you it won't last long with your family or even by yourself.

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Serving size : about 7 cups

Ingredients

Water 2.5 cups

White Rice 1 cup

Almonds 3/4 cup

Cinnamon Stick 1 each

Evaporated Milk 1 12-oz can

Sugar 1 1/4 cup

Whole Milk 1 1/2 cup

Vanilla Extract 2 tbsp

Step 1 : In a bowl or container, combine the filtered water, white rice, sliced almonds and cinnamon stick. Soak for about five hours at room temperature or soak overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2 : Next, blend everything in a blender until smooth. You might need to blend in batches. Strain the blended liquid into a clean container using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the rice pulp.

Step 3 : Finally to the strained rice milk add the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, whole milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and refrigerate for one hour. Serve chilled or over ice. You can store it in the fridge for a week but you won't keep it past a day. It's addicting.