How to Make Chef John's Horchata - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Horchata is a refreshing and creamy beverage that originates from the Latin American and Spanish culture. This traditional drink is made with a few simple ingredients such as rice, almonds, cinnamon, milk, and sugar. It is a popular drink in Mexico and Central America and is often enjoyed during the hot summer months.

What makes Chef John's Horchata so unique is the combination of flavors and textures. The rice and almonds are blended together to create a smooth, velvety b...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • ¼ cup raw almonds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • 7 cups cold fresh water, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon for garnish

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 2 quarts

  • Place rice, almonds, cinnamon stick, and sugar in a blender. Pour in about 4 cups of the water. Pulse on and off to start. Then blend on high speed until ingredients have been chopped up into very small pieces, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining 3 cups cold, fresh water. Let mixture sit at room temperature about 4 hours. (Or you can refrigerate it overnight.) Stir occasionally.
  • Strain through several layers of cheesecloth into a pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Serve topped with a dusting of cinnamon.
  • Nutrition

    176 cal.

    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 8mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 37g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 17g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Calcium: 29mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 64mg