1cupunsweetened almond milk(can use any milk of your choice)
⅓cuppure maple syrup,plus more to taste
1 ¼teaspoonpure vanilla extract
ice
Instructions
Wash and drain rice. Combine rice with cinnamon sticks in water and soak overnight in the refrigerator.
After the rice has soaked for at least 8-10 hours, preferably overnight, discard the cinnamon sticks and pour rice and water into a blender.
Add ¼ tsp. cinnamon and blend on low for 3-5 minutes until well blended.
Pour blended rice mixture through fine mesh sieve two times and then through cheesecloth one more time to remove all gritty bits of rice.
Pour strained mixture into a pitcher, add milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla and stir well to combine. Add more syrup if needed, to taste.
To serve, pour over ice and garnish with ground cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
Horchata has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. While there are many variations of horchata, I feel this recipe combines some of the amazing flavors we all know and love in horchata while also allowing for it to not be loaded in processed sugar and fat.I've also added this mixture to a popsicle mold for frozen horchata pops which were a huge hit with the kids. Make sure to look for good quality cinnamon sticks to really transfer that depth of flavor to the drink - you won't be disappointed!