Strawberry Horchata

This Strawberry Horchata or “horchata de fresa” is a traditional Mexican rice drink made with fresh strawberries. It’s just as easy to make as the classic version, with a berry twist.

Prep Time15

Soak Time4

Total Time4 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 350kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

1 cup long grain rice I used Basmati
6 cups water hot
2 cinnamon sticks
14 ounce sweetened condensed milk 1 can
12 ounce evaporated milk 1 can
½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds strawberries washed and tops removed (about 1 ½ pounds after processing)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed

Instructions

Place rice in a strainer and rinse thoroughly with cool water, then transfer to a large bowl that will fit in your fridge.
Bring 6 cups of water almost to a boil, you want it very warm, to hot, to soften the rice easier, but not boiling, then pour on the rice. Drop in 2 cinnamon sticks and allow it to cool, then cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare strawberry puree by blending strawberries sugar and lemon juice on high until very smooth.
Pour into a large jar and store in the fridge until ready to use.
In 2 batches blend the rice water, along with cinnamon sticks, on high speed in a blender for about 4 minutes. Strain very well with a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large pitcher.
Pour sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla extract to the pitcher and stir well to dissolve and combine.
Pour strawberry puree in and stir well, then serve over ice.

Notes

I strain my horchata twice to get it perfectly smooth: first through a fine mesh strainer, then again using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. This helps remove any remaining pulp for the best texture.
I recommend rinsing the basmati rice well before soaking to remove excess starch, which helps it soften more evenly as it sits.
I highly recommend straining the mixture twice to remove all the rice pulp and keep the horchata smooth and creamy. If it isn’t strained well or the rice hasn’t soaked long enough, the texture can turn out gritty.

Nutrition