Description
A smooth, sweet, and refreshing dairy-free twist on traditional horchata with creamy coconut milk, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup long-grain white rice (100g)
- 4 cups filtered water (1 liter)
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (240ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cubes
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes for garnish
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Rinse ½ cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Transfer the rice to a large bowl and add 4 cups of filtered water. Soak for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Pour the soaked rice and water into a blender. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks milky.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the strained liquid. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. For extra creaminess, stir in 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Notes
Soaking the rice overnight yields the creamiest texture. Use canned full-fat coconut milk for best flavor and creaminess. Blend long enough to break down the rice well. Strain carefully for a smooth drink. Adjust sweetness to taste. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to 3 days and stir before serving. Do not warm horchata; serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes active time (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: creamy coconut horchata, dairy-free horchata, coconut milk drink, refreshing drink, easy horchata recipe, Mexican drink, coconut horchata