What you need, to make a Healthy Mexican Horchata

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you're probably familiar with Horchata - the popular rice-based drink that's refreshing and delicious. However, traditional horchata recipes can be loaded with sugar, calories, and preservatives.

That's why more and more people are looking for healthier versions of this beloved beverage. Fortunately, making a healthier Mexican horchata is easier than you might think. By swapping out some of the sugar for natural sweeteners like dates, and using unsweetened almond milk instead of cow's milk, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful horchata without the guilt. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your body will too!

How Popular is The Mexican Horchata?

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and unique ingredients, and one of its most popular beverages is the refreshing and delicious horchata. Made from a combination of rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, this creamy and slightly sweet drink is often enjoyed on hot summer days but can be found year-round in Mexican restaurants and cafes. Horchata has been gaining popularity in recent years among non-Mexican communities as well, with its popularity spreading across the United States and beyond. With its irresistible taste and simple yet satisfying ingredients, it's easy to see why horchata is becoming a beloved beverage across the world.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes + time to soak (up to 8 hours)
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 4 – 6

Jump to:

• How Popular is The Mexican Horchata?
• Ingredients needed to make a Healthy Mexican Horchata
• Instructions for making a Healthy Mexican Horchata
• Variations on making a Healthy Mexican Horchata
• Equipment used in making a Healthy Mexican Horchata
• Storage for the Healthy Mexican Horchata
• Top tip for making a Healthy Mexican Horchata
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• What you need, to make a Healthy Mexican Horchata

Ingredients needed to make a Healthy Mexican Horchata

• 1 c. long-grain white rice, rinsed and thoroughly drained
• 1 small organic cinnamon stick
• 6 c. water, divided
• 1 c. almond milk
• ⅓ c. Medjool dates, pitted
• 2-3 T. honey, preferably local
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• ½ c. raw almonds

Optional garnish:
4 long cinnamon sticks
Ground cinnamon

Instructions for making a Healthy Mexican Horchata

1. Add rice, an organic cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of very warm water to a medium-sized bowl. Let soak overnight at room temperature, or until the rice softens and the cinnamon stick is soft enough to break into several smaller pieces.
   
2. Transfer the rice mixture to a high-powered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups cold water, almond milk, dates, 2 tablespoons honey, vanilla extract, and almonds. Blend until thoroughly combined and no large solids remain. Taste and add additional honey, if desired.
   
3. Strain the contents of the blender with a fine-weave mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. When finished, discard the remaining solids in the strainer and transfer the reserved liquid to a pitcher or other container.
   
4. Refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice with whole cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, for garnish. Enjoy!

Variations on making a Healthy Mexican Horchata

Mexican horchata is a classic and refreshing drink enjoyed by many all over the world. It's a rice-based drink that's made with cinnamon, sugar, and milk. While it's already a delicious and satisfying drink, there are variations that can be added to make it even healthier. For example, using almond milk instead of regular milk will make it dairy-free and give it a nutty flavor. Replacing white sugar with honey or stevia will make it lower in calories and sugar. Adding chia seeds, which are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, will add a healthy boost to the already nutritious drink. With these variations, you can enjoy a healthier version of Mexican horchata without compromising on taste.

Equipment used in making a Healthy Mexican Horchata

Mixing Bowl
Blender

Storage for the Healthy Mexican Horchata

Horchata, the delectable Mexican beverage originating in Valencia, is a refreshing summer drink made with water, rice, sugar, and cinnamon. But once you've made a pitcher, how long can it be stored in the fridge? The shelf life of horchata varies based on several factors, such as the type of milk used and the method of preparation. Typically, freshly made horchata can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, provided it is covered and refrigerated immediately after preparation. However, if the horchata includes dairy products like sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, it cannot be stored for more than 24 hours. So, make sure to consume your delicious horchata before it goes bad and lose that amazing taste you with so much love!

FAQ

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Pairing

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