Here’s a simple and delicious vegan horchata recipe that you can easily make at home. This refreshing drink, also known as agua de horchata, is perfect for pairing with spicy meals or enjoying on a warm day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 6 cups water (divided)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
• 2 cups plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
• ¼ to ½ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Soak the Rice:

• Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
• In a blender, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and cinnamon. Blend until the mixture appears milky (about 1-2 minutes).
• Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate overnight. This soaking step enhances the flavor and creaminess.

Strain the Mixture:

• The next day, pour the soaked rice mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to separate the liquid from the solids. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible.

Combine Ingredients:

• To the strained liquid, add the remaining 2 cups of water, plant-based milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon if desired.

Serve:

• Serve chilled over ice with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Enjoy your creamy vegan horchata!

If you don’t soak the rice overnight when making horchata, the resulting drink may be less creamy and smooth. Soaking softens the rice, making it easier to blend into a fine texture, which is essential for achieving the characteristic creaminess of horchata. Without soaking, the rice may not blend as well, leading to a grainier texture in the final product.

Alternative Grains

If you don’t have rice, you can use other grains to make horchata. Arborio rice is a common substitute that can work well due to its starch content, which helps create a creamy texture. Additionally, oats can be used as an alternative; however, they will yield a different flavor and texture. Other options include barley or quinoa, though these may also alter the traditional taste of horchata.

Making Horchata Creamier Without Soaking

To enhance creaminess without soaking the rice overnight:

• Use hot water instead of cold when blending the rice and cinnamon. This can help extract more flavor and creaminess.
• Blend longer to ensure that the rice is finely ground, which helps create a smoother texture.
• Add nuts, such as blanched almonds or cashews, during blending. These ingredients contribute additional creaminess and flavor.
• Consider using coconut milk or oat milk instead of water for a richer base.

Shortcuts for Faster Horchata

If you’re looking for ways to make horchata more quickly:

• Soak for a shorter time: A minimum of 4 hours can suffice if you’re in a hurry.
• Use pre-cooked rice: If you have leftover cooked rice, you can blend it directly with water and spices.
• Skip straining: For a thicker texture, you might choose not to strain the mixture completely, leaving some pulp in for added body.

Using Different Types of Milk

Yes, you can use different types of milk instead of water in horchata. Many recipes suggest using plant-based milks like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk to enhance flavor and creaminess. This substitution not only makes the drink richer but also aligns with vegan preferences.

By considering these adjustments and alternatives, you can successfully create a delicious version of horchata that suits your needs and preferences!

Tips

• For a creamier texture, consider blending again after adding the plant-based milk.
• You can experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of granulated sugar.
• Feel free to add raw almonds during the blending stage for additional creaminess and flavor.

This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings and takes approximately 10 minutes of active preparation time, plus soaking overnight. Enjoy your homemade vegan horchata!