Horchata

cinnamonriceagua fresca

Homemade Horchata

Homemade Horchata

Horchata Casera

Recipe Yield

8 1/4 cups approximately

Cooking time

10 minutes

Rate this recipe

4.25 from 8 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 stick canela ceylon or true cinnamon, broken into pieces
  • 3 cups boiling hot water
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sugar

To Prepare

  • Place the rice and cinnamon in a heatproof bowl and cover with the hot water. Let sit anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.
  • When ready to puree the mixture, add the milk and sugar to the rice mixture and stir well. Place in a blender, in batches, and completely puree. Strain into a pitcher as you move along. Serve over ice filled glasses and/or store in the refrigerator.

Comments

123comments inHomemade Horchata

  1. Jackie

    Feb 25

    Made this for my son’s they loved it

    1. Pati Jinich

      Feb 29

      Happy to hear! Greetings to all 😉

  2. Alicia In Minneapolis

    Apr 01

    I halved the recipe and swapped milk for oat milk, sugar for maple sugar… it’s gritty and delish! Thx Pati!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 12

      Thanks for sharing your way Alicia!

  3. Rosi

    Mar 04

    This recipe is really really good. I used 12 oz of evaporated milk out of the 4 cups. And it was sooooo perfect!!! My little one, 3 yrs old, loved it!! Thank you, Pati.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 13

      So glad you guys enjoyed it, yay!

  4. Doug F

    Dec 17

    Made this drink three times now. It is excellent. My question is. What can I do with all the leftover rice and cinnamon and sugar mix that I sifted off. Anything? Can I reuse it to make more or something else?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 07

      To be honest I never thought about this Doug, remember you need to puree your mixture super well, so the leftovers after sifting should be minimal 🙂

  5. Rosemarie Moreken

    Sep 11

    Muchas gracias por facilitar buscar las recetas que hizo. No he bebido horchata por demasiado tiempo 🙂 Y voy a tratar la chickpea poundcake. Y gracias por su visita en Mexico y mostrar los regiones y culturas/comida.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Sep 11

      Muchas gracias a ti Rosemarie, disfruta la horchata y todo lo demas 😉

  6. Lupe Bravo

    Jul 18

    Thank you so much, you are the best COOK.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      Muchas gracias Lupe, you are very sweet 😉

  7. Ann

    May 24

    Fell in love with this drink when I had it at the Mexican Embassy open house. Made the horchata this weekend and it tasted better than when I’ve bought it in Mexican restaurants. So easy to make. I used less sugar and 2% milk and it still turned out nice and creamy. Nice and refreshing for summer.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 10

      So glad you liked this recipe Ann, enjoy the Horchata 😉

  8. Joy Culpepper

    Mar 31

    Pati when it’s time to puree in blender, do you also puree the cinnamon stick with the milk and sugar

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 11

      If you feel more comfortable you can remove it Joy, but since after blending you will be straining the mixture, it shouldn’t be a problem, enjoy the Horchata!

  9. Esme

    Mar 27

    Gracias 🙏 por existir! Me encantan tus recetas y la manera que lo explicas.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 11

      Mil gracias Esme, que linda!

  10. Ed Moran

    Feb 14

    Can you add tequila or rum to this? Haha.

    Pati is the best, a Mexican National Treasure to us !!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Feb 15

      Of course Ed, I would go for rum better or for some coffee liqueur, yay, enjoy!

  11. Lily

    Jan 26

    I made this yesterday and while it tastes absolutely delicious, it is very gritty and not very smooth. Is it supposed to be that way? And if not, what can I do to fix it?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 31

      Hi Lily, you have to blend it very well, and then pass it through a fine sieve to a pitcher before drinking it. Enjoy!

  12. Walter

    Jan 24

    Hi Patti!

    What do you mean by heatproof bowl? Should be it be insulated to keep the water and rice mixture warm during the soaking period?

    I’ve always loved horchata. I had no idea it was so easy! Looking forward to trying it with coffee!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 25

      Hey Walter, for the soaking of the rice just use a bowl that is oven proof, as you are going to be pouring very hot water on the rice and you don’t want it to break with the heat. Enjoy the Horchata!

  13. Sheryl Charboneau

    Jan 19

    Hi
    I was wondering,
    After the rice soaks in water do I add all of it to the blender or just the soaked rice and cinnamon?
    TIA

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 21

      You add it all Sheryl! Hope you’ll like this recipe 😉

  14. Alexsandra Garza

    Jan 17

    This is definitely a favorite! I’ve made it 3 times already. My family loves it!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 21

      Delighted to read this Alexsandra, horchata is so delicious and refreshing, yum!

  15. Elena Esquivel

    Jan 15

    It does sound easy! Can’t wait to try it!!! GOOD Horchata is the most amazing and refreshing drink ever!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      Let me know how you like it Elena 😉

  16. Tammy Jimenez

    Jan 15

    Hi Pati,
    Saying Hello from Anchorage, Alaska. Do you happen to have a video on how to do the Horchata?

    Thank you🙏

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      Hola Tammy! I do not have a video on YouTube, but if you have Amazon Prime you can stream Episode 806: El Fuerte, Magic Town and you will see it there. Also, you might want to check the listings in your are for PBS to check out when they are showing that particular episode, use this tracking tool with your Zip Code, good luck! http://www.tracmedia.com/LOL/PatisMexicanTable2/

      1. Martha

        Jan 29

        Hi Patti, I tried the link for the horchata put won’t work.

        1. Pati Jinich

          Jan 31

          Hey Martha, please copy and paste this one in your browser, it should work 😉 http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/homemade-horchata/

  17. Ivette Merchand

    Jan 14

    Hola Pati,

    Can you use any rice when making horchata? Jasmine, Basmati, Wild, medium vs long? Does it make a difference?

    Gracias,

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      Basically any white rice would work Ivette, I go for extra long though 😉

  18. Patti miller

    Jan 14

    My how I love this drink
    Now I can make my own
    THANK YOU

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      My pleasure Patti, enjoy!

  19. Christina Smith

    Jan 14

    Hi Patty. I’m a new member to your following and love Horchata! Can you give any recommendations on making an alcoholic drink using Horchata?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      You can add some espresso and kahlua Christina, yum!

  20. Rosa

    Jan 14

    Que delicia de agua, de mis favoritas de la vida, cuando la preparo le pongo leche evaporada en vez de leche entera y vainilla le da un super sabor
    Saludos

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 16

      Uy que rico, gracias por el tip Rosa 😉

  21. P from AZ

    Sep 24

    Hola Pati! My husband and I LOVE you and all your yummy recipes!!!
    Question, I saw an earlier horchata recipe of yours where it called for 1 tbsp of vanilla however this recipe does not?
    Thanks much!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 04

      You are right P! I have two versions for Horchata, here is the other one, just make the one you like best, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/horchata-with-cinnamon-and-vanilla/

  22. Fran

    Aug 24

    How long does it last?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 26

      Horchata is way better when is fresh; you can keep it in the fridge but I wouldn’t recommend for over 24 hours. Enjoy!

  23. Cynthia

    Aug 24

    Hola Pati
    While soaking the rice, should there be water the entire time? My rice soaked up all the water and it’s only been about an hour since it started soaking.
    Thanks

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 26

      Yes Cynthia, try to add a bit more water because all the starch and flavor of the rice should be in it before you mix it with the milk to blend. Good luck!

  24. Stephanie

    Aug 20

    Is there a way I can make this dairy free? I am lactose intolerant and love horchata!!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Of course Stephanie, sub regular milk with coconut or almond milk and enjoy!

  25. Irene

    Aug 20

    Hi Patti!,
    Loving your recipes, question on the horchata. Instructions say to add the milk and sugarto the rice mixture which includes the hot water that was added. Is that correct. Ty

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Correct Irene! Except that after hours of soaking, the water will not be hot anymore 😉

  26. Estevan B. G.

    Aug 20

    Haven’t had this since I was very young. Can’t believe the recipe/process was that easy. Thanks. Can’t wait to try it this weekend.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Enjoy it Estevan 😉

  27. ChristyC

    Aug 20

    The recipe says to add the milk and sugar to the rice mixture but, do you drain the water that rice soaked in?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      I don’t Christy, I like to keep the flavor in the soaking water, enjoy!

  28. Rich H

    Aug 20

    Patti, can I do this with non-dairy milk? I used to love horchata, but now not so much!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Of course Rich, go for coconut or almond milk, very yummy as well 😉

  29. April Lafferty

    Aug 19

    I love this drink! Thanks Pati for sharing.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Thanks to you April!

  30. Barry Kintner

    Aug 19

    Where I lived for a few years (66% Spanish speaking) – It was common to find horchata in flavors – fresa, pina, vanilla -maybe others. Coming back to Phoenix -none- found. Only plain. Wonder why? I have spoken to management at my favorite Latin markets … nuthin’ – And jamaica is also a favorite (often way too sweet though).

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Hey Barry, horchata is much better when drinking it fresh. I wouldn’t keep it in the fridge for more than a couple of days 😉

  31. Russell

    Aug 19

    I have a question. Is it possible to sub the Milk for something like Almond milk. I ask because my kiddo is allergic to cows milk . Goats milk is TBD and well we know Alt milks are workable for her. Horchata is one drink we love especially during summer time.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      Of course Rusell, go ahead and use almond milk or you can try coconut milk as well. Enjoy!

  32. Kathlene

    Aug 19

    Hi Patti. 💙❤😊 My kids and I love your recipe, right now our favorite is your Sopes Recipe😊 I have one question, after the rice and canela SOAK in the water, do I blend it in the water that it soaked in? Or do I strain it first and then blend it with the milk and sugar? Thank You😊

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 23

      I use all the mix to put in the blender Kathlene, because I like to keep the flavor in the soaking water 😉

  33. Gina W

    Aug 12

    Patti…delicious and love your recipes. Also love the glass jar you have
    for the horchata. What is your source? Thanks, Gina

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 12

      Thanks so much Gina, glad you loved the Horchata. So many people ask me about this jar and I honestly do not remember where I got them 🙂

  34. AVARO

    Aug 04

    Hello Pati
    I really like your show
    I tried the horchata is the rice supposed to be cooked or raw still hard
    I let it soke for 24 hrs the rice still feels hard and raw I’m confused

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 04

      Hi there! The rice has to be raw, what you are doing by soaking it is getting all the starch and flavor out of it, and a bit more when you blend it. It is going to be still a bit grainy, that’s why you will strain it before drinking it . Enjoy 😉

  35. Trisha Aranda

    Jul 10

    Made this for my daughter because it is her favorite drink! 3 hours of rice soaking and I used half almond milk and half heavy cream since I didn’t have whole milk. We all loved it! Can’t believe it was this easy! Thanks Pati!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 12

      Great job Trisha, smart substitutions, glad to read you all liked it 😉

  36. John in New Mexico

    Jun 01

    Hello Pati,
    I just came in from walking the dog and caught the very end of the segment where you were making a delicious looking cool drink that was green. All I caught was you said that there were chunks of pineapple in it. If it helps to identify which show it was, you were wearing a beautiful bright orange and blue blouse. — I would like to find out what that drink was and get the recipe. Can you help me?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 01

      Hi John, thanks for your message! You must be talking about this smoothie http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/tropical-mint-pineapple-lime-smoothie/ It was posted on Season 5, Episode 508 “Valladolid: A Day to Explore”. Enjoy!

  37. Tamara Avitia

    May 31

    My husband Roberto and I also love watching you on Saturday evenings travel your way throughout Mexico. You are so inspiring to us. My husband looks forward to all of my Pati “give it a try” recipes. This week we made your horchata that reminded me of my childhood and your chilaquiles. They were both delicious and yummy! My husband and I are wondering if any new episodes will be airing soon? Thank you for sharing your superpower of personality and cooking with us.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 01

      Thanks so much Tamara for these kind words, and thanks to Roberto for liking my recipes! Stay tuned because the new season, from the amazing state of Sonora, will start airing this October. Enjoy 🙂

  38. Kristen Chavez

    May 07

    My husband Manuel and I love watching you Pati! Saw you make this tonight and now I’m making the trip to Meijer to buy a blender, rice and cinnamon sticks. Oh I am so excited!!

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 11

      🙂 🙂 🙂 So glad to read this Horchata inspired you Kristen! A blender is a must have in the kitchen, yay!

      1. Anonymous

        May 13

        I’m so happy you replied and my husband will be too. We could be in the middle of something and your show comes on and we drop everything pretty much to watch you. Oh and I’m making it for the 3rd time today, we are obsessed it’s so good.

        1. Pati Jinich

          May 13

          You guys are so sweet, thanks so much!

          1. Anonymous

            Sep 17

            Making it again at 11pm tonight so we can have it in the morning! Seriously such a great recipe

            Reply Icon
          2. Pati Jinich

            Sep 17

            Enjoy it!

            Reply Icon
  39. Emily

    May 07

    Hi Pati! New to cooking, but already tried three of your recipes! All of them came out pretty good!!
    For this recipe, would brown sugar work as well? Just curious

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 11

      I think it will work, just add a bit less than a cup so your Horchata won’t be too sweet 😉

  40. Evelyn

    May 05

    Do you think we can substitute brown rice versus white rice?

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 11

      You can always try Evelyn, it will be less starchy but probably yummy as well 😉

  41. Erik

    May 01

    Do I add the rice, ceylon, and water to the blender or just the rice and ceylon?

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 11

      You add to the blender the rice, cinnamon, milk and sugar, no water Erik. Enjoy!

  42. Laura C

    Apr 15

    Pati – si bien recuerdo, creo que también lleva una lata de leche endulzada, además de la leche y el azúcar, o en vez de… apreciaria mucho tu comentario.
    Gracias

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 16

      Hola Laura, si, algunas recetas llevan leche condensada en lugar de leche y azucar, pero para mi gusto queda muy dulce y densa, por eso la prefiero con leche. Saludos 😉

  43. Mariana

    Apr 15

    I’m confused
    Do you use uncooked rice?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 16

      Yes Mariana, is uncooked rice; the warm water will get out all the flavor of the rice and the starch to make a great Horchata 😉

  44. AMALIA

    Apr 09

    My family loved the horchata. It was my 1st time making it and it was easy. Gracias

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 09

      Yay Amalia! So glad to read you and your family enjoyed it 😉

  45. Eleanor

    Apr 07

    Can the whole milk be substitute with Oat Milk or other diary free milk?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 09

      Never tried it Eleanor, but I don’t see why not. Please let me know how does it come out with any other milk you use 😉

  46. Trish

    Mar 28

    I assume it’s cooked rice?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 02

      No Trish, Horchata is made out of raw rice 😉

      1. Paul

        Apr 08

        Hi Pati, I’m a big fan of your show. I think people are confused because the recipe calls for pouring boiling water over the rice. After 2 – 8 hours, doesn’t that essentially cook the rice?

        1. Pati Jinich

          Apr 09

          Hey Paul, thanks for your comment! It really doesn’t cook the rice, but it absolutely extracts all the flavor and the starch, which makes the horchata so delicious and refreshing 😉

  47. Ingrid

    Mar 23

    I may be completely confused but I thought you mentioned lemon juice or was that a different recipe on this show? BTW, both my hubby and I love your show. Your recipes are great and we really enjoy how your kids (they have really grown) also love your food and add their own opinion.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 26

      It might be another recipe Ingrid, definitely Horchata does not have any lemon juice. Greetings to you and your hubby 😉

    2. Irene

      Aug 20

      I think you are referring to the Jamaica or hibiscus drink.

  48. Susan Currie

    Mar 21

    Do you cook the rice first

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 27

      No Susan, the rice has to be raw. Enjoy!

  49. Christina

    Mar 12

    I just made your horchata & it’s delicious. I’ve been looking for a recipe. Thank you love your show.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 18

      I am glad you tried it Christina, nothing more refreshing that a good horchata 😉

  50. K

    Feb 22

    On the episode you poured a brown liquid on the horchata when it was all done. What was it?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Feb 22

      That was espresso K, and you just basically add it to the homemade horchata to make what I call Cafe Horchata. Check it here http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/cafe-horchata/

  51. Linda A

    Jan 25

    Can I use evaporative milk & condensed milk instead of milk?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Feb 09

      Hi Linda, sounds like a good idea, probably it will make the Horchata creamier so go for it! Just be careful with the sugar, the condensed milk will be sweet enough I think.

  52. Jeff Espinoza

    Nov 27

    I saw this episode but can’t remember, after soaking the rice and cinnamon do we drain and throw out the water before adding the milk?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 30

      Oh no, you add the milk to the water. Enjoy, Jeff!

  53. Lydia

    Nov 25

    Hola! Después de dejar el arroz en el agua, todavía queda duro? Gracias!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 12

      Se debe remojar por lo menos ocho horas…y eso lo ablanda, sin problema lo debes de poder licuar!

  54. Socorro Dudock

    Nov 24

    I tried it, is there supposed to be settlement??? Taste chalky.. what did I do wrong??

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 30

      It will have some settlement but that texture is what makes it so good 🙂

  55. Cindy Byrd

    Nov 17

    Hi Pati,
    Can almond milk be used in place of whole milk? Love your show!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 18

      Go for it, Cindy!

  56. G. Kitty

    Nov 13

    Sorry if this is a dumb question but is the rice cooked? Or uncooked?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 16

      It’s uncooked…and that’s not a dumb question at all, G.! 😄

  57. Crystal

    Nov 13

    Will a food processor work instead of a blender?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 18

      A blender is easier, but go for it, Crystal.

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