Description
A refreshing, creamy, and naturally dairy-free cinnamon rice drink made from scratch. This budget-friendly, gluten-free beverage is perfect for hot summer days and requires minimal active preparation time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white long-grain rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 4 cups water (for soaking)
- 1 large cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cups fresh water (for blending)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine rice, almonds, 4 cups of water, and the cinnamon stick in a large bowl. Cover and soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Remove the cinnamon stick. Pour the soaked rice, almonds, and soaking water into a blender.
- Add 4 cups of fresh water, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender.
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and milky.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer.
- Press the solids with a spoon or squeeze the bag to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Stir the strained liquid with a whisk to dissolve the sugar fully. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until cold.
- Stir well before serving (solids settle). Pour into glasses filled with ice and dust with ground cinnamon.
Notes
Soaking overnight yields the smoothest texture. If short on time, soak in hot water for 30 minutes. For extra smoothness, strain twice. Use a cinnamon stick rather than ground powder to avoid grit. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir well before serving as solids settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: horchata, cinnamon rice drink, homemade horchata, summer drinks, gluten-free recipes, vegan drinks, dairy-free beverages, easy recipes, budget-friendly drinks