SPICED HORCHATA

There’s nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of homemade horchata on a warm day, especially when it’s infused with rich cinnamon flavor and made extra creamy with a blend of milks. This Spiced Horchata recipe takes the classic Mexican rice drink to the next level with fragrant McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks, jasmine rice, and a perfectly sweet finish that tastes just like something from your favorite authentic restaurant. The overnight soak gives this horchata its signature smooth texture and deep flavor, while the combination of milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk creates an ultra-luxurious drink that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re serving this chilled alongside tacos, enjoying it as a refreshing afternoon treat, or making a big batch for family gatherings, this creamy cinnamon horchata is guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, naturally comforting, and tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make authentic horchata at home, this foolproof recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy texture every single time.

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WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Ultra creamy texture thanks to a blend of milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk
• Warm cinnamon flavor infused directly into the rice while soaking
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for summer gatherings, taco nights, parties, or holidays
• Tastes even better after chilling
• Naturally refreshing and incredibly satisfying served over ice
• Customizable sweetness and spice level
• A restaurant-style horchata recipe made right at home

WHAT EACH INGREDIENT DOES

• Jasmine Rice-Rice is the heart of traditional horchata. Jasmine rice adds a slightly floral aroma and creates the creamy, authentic texture horchata is known for after blending and soaking.
• Saigon Cinnamon Sticks-McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks infuse the horchata with a bold, warm cinnamon flavor that tastes rich and aromatic. Saigon cinnamon is naturally sweeter and more intense than regular cinnamon, making it perfect for drinks.
• Boiling Water-Hot water helps soften the rice and allows the cinnamon flavor to fully infuse during the soaking process.
• Milk-Milk gives the horchata its creamy base and balances the cinnamon and sweetness beautifully.
• Evaporated Milk-Evaporated milk adds richness and depth without making the drink too heavy. It creates that smooth, silky texture found in authentic creamy horchata recipes.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk-Sweetened condensed milk sweetens the drink while also adding a luxurious creamy consistency that makes every sip indulgent.
• Water-Adding extra water helps balance the richness of the dairy while keeping the horchata refreshing and drinkable.
• Ice-Serving horchata over ice keeps it perfectly cold and refreshing, especially on hot summer days.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS

• Soak the rice overnight for the deepest cinnamon flavor
• Blend thoroughly to fully break down the rice
• Double strain for the smoothest texture
• Stir before serving since natural settling may occur
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk
• Chill before serving for the most refreshing flavor
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I make horchata ahead of time? Yes! Horchata actually tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for several hours because the flavors continue to develop.
• How long does homemade horchata last? Store horchata in an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving.
• Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks? Cinnamon sticks are highly recommended because they infuse the liquid without creating a gritty texture. Ground cinnamon may leave sediment behind.
• Why is my horchata gritty? If your horchata feels gritty, strain it again using cheesecloth or a very fine mesh strainer for a smoother finish.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the milk products with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

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SPICED HORCHATA

Anahi

This creamy Spiced Horchata is rich, smooth, and infused with warm cinnamon flavor. Made with jasmine rice, Saigon cinnamon sticks, and a blend of milks, this authentic homemade horchata recipe is perfectly sweet, ultra refreshing, and delicious served ice-cold.

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Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups long grain jasmine rice rinsed
• 2 McCormick Gourmet Organice Saigon Cinnamon Sticks
• 4 cups boiling water
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups water

Instructions

 

• Soak the Rice

  In a large bowl, combine the rinsed jasmine rice and McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks. Pour the boiling water over the top, making sure the rice and cinnamon sticks are fully submerged.

  Cover and let soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and texture.

• Blend Until Smooth

  Transfer the soaked rice mixture, including the cinnamon sticks and soaking liquid, into a blender.

  Blend until the mixture is very smooth and the rice is finely broken down.

• Strain the Mixture

  Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher.

  This removes any remaining rice solids and creates the smooth, silky texture horchata is famous for.

  Pro Tip: For extra smooth horchata, strain the mixture twice.

• Add the Milks & Sweeten

  To the strained mixture, add the milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 cups of water.

  Stir until everything is fully combined and creamy.

• Chill & Serve

  Refrigerate until completely cold, or serve immediately over ice.

  Garnish with extra McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks for a beautiful presentation and even more cinnamon flavor.

Keyword Agua fresca, Horchata