Name: A Creamy Recipe
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 cups water; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Ice cubes for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightfully sweet, aromatic drink that feels like a hug in a glass, look no further than A Creamy horchata. This heavenly beverage of Latin American origin is laced with cinnamon, vanilla, and a whisper of silky condensed milk. Each sip brings a wave of comfort and a touch of festivity, whether you’re cooling down in summer or cozying up on a chilly evening. It’s more than a refreshing drink—it’s an experience you’ll want to savor again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: every item here works overtime to contribute to the final magic. These simple staples combine to create A Creamy texture, inviting aroma, and that iconic milky appearance everyone loves in homemade horchata.

Long-grain rice: The base of horchata, rice provides natural body and that signature creamy look after soaking and blending.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuses the drink with a warm, fragrant spice that sets horchata apart from other beverages.
Water (divided): Essential for soaking, blending, and achieving just the right consistency—make sure it’s fresh and cold!
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds A Creamy sweetness and velvety richness, making each sip more indulgent.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and makes everything feel just a little more special and inviting.
Ice cubes: Serve over plenty of ice for that instantly refreshing, chilled finish.

How to Make A Creamy

Step 1: Soak the Rice and Cinnamon

Give your rice a quick rinse until the water runs almost clear, helping to remove excess starch. Place it in a bowl with two cups of water and drop in those cinnamon sticks. Let them all mingle for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. This not only softens the rice but infuses it with cinnamon’s spicy perfume, kicking off the flavors for A Creamy masterpiece.

Step 2: Blend to Perfection

Bid farewell to the cinnamon sticks and transfer the rice mixture to a blender along with two more cups of fresh water. Blend on high until everything is as smooth as possible—don’t be afraid to let it really whirl! You’ll notice the rice has transformed, setting the stage for A Creamy base with subtle specks of cinnamon throughout.

Step 3: Strain for Silky Smoothness

To keep your horchata luxuriously smooth, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher. This step is essential for removing any gritty bits of rice so that all you’re left with is A Creamy, silky liquid ready for flavoring.

Step 4: Sweeten and Flavor

Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to your strained mixture. Stir it all together, tasting and adjusting the sweetness to your preference. These final touches transform the base into A Creamy, dreamy horchata with just the right amount of sweetness and a bouquet of vanilla warmth.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop your pitcher in the refrigerator for at least an hour—this makes A Creamy horchata taste its absolute best. When you’re ready, pour it over a glass full of ice cubes and get ready for a frosty, festive treat. Sprinkle a hint of ground cinnamon on top if you want a classic finishing touch.

How to Serve A Creamy

Garnishes

For an extra-flair presentation, dust each glass with a little ground cinnamon or slip a cinnamon stick into the glass for stirring. You can even add a fresh mint sprig for a playful contrast or whip up a light foam on top for an ultra-decadent “A Creamy” look.

Side Dishes

Horchata is a wonderful companion to spicy foods, classic tacos, or even a simple plate of pan dulce. Its cool creaminess is especially good for pairing with zesty or rich dishes, making it the kind of drink you’ll want at every summer BBQ or festive brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour A Creamy horchata into mason jars for a nostalgic picnic, serve it in elegant wine glasses for a dinner party, or freeze it into horchata ice pops for a summery twist. You can even blend it with coffee or add a splash to your favorite milkshake for an extraordinary treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra, store A Creamy horchata in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to stir it well before each pour, as a little separation is perfectly normal and doesn’t affect the deliciousness.

Freezing

Horchata can be frozen for up to one month, either in ice cube trays for easy blending into smoothies or in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then whisk or blend lightly to restore A Creamy consistency.

Reheating

A Creamy horchata is best enjoyed chilled, but if you’re craving a cozy warm drink, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly and avoid boiling to keep the milk from curdling or changing in texture.

FAQs

Can I make horchata without sweetened condensed milk?

Absolutely! You can substitute it with evaporated milk and sweeten to taste with sugar or honey, or keep A Creamy flavor by adding a splash of coconut or almond milk and some extra vanilla.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, A Creamy horchata is naturally gluten free, since it uses rice and does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing products. Just double-check any packaged ingredients you use for cross-contamination.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks?

While cinnamon sticks create a gentler infusion, you can use a teaspoon of ground cinnamon if that’s what you have—just blend well and strain extra carefully for A Creamy result.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

The beauty of horchata is its flexibility. Start with the suggested amount of condensed milk, then add more or less according to your preference for A Creamy, personalized sweetness.

Can kids enjoy this drink?

Absolutely! There’s nothing in A Creamy horchata that isn’t family friendly, and kids often love its milky sweetness and the fun of sipping it over ice on a hot day.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, A Creamy horchata is always a crowd-pleaser with its comforting flavors and luxuriously smooth texture. I truly hope you whip up a batch soon and let it bring a touch of sweetness and celebration to your day—cheers to making new favorites!

A Creamy Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Horchata recipe is a creamy and refreshing Mexican drink made with rice, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Mixture:

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cups water

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ice cubes for serving

Instructions

Rinse and Soak: Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Soak in a bowl with 2 cups of water and cinnamon sticks for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Blend: Remove cinnamon sticks and blend rice mixture with an additional 2 cups of fresh water until smooth.
Strain: Strain blended mixture into a pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Flavor: Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract; adjust sweetness to taste.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving over ice cubes. Garnish with ground cinnamon if desired.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, let the cinnamon sticks steep longer in the rice mixture.

Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending, Straining
Cuisine: Mexican