Rice Milk Drink
Pankaj Singh
| 30-04-2026
· Food TeamIn this guide, we are making Horchata, a smooth, chilled rice-based drink with a light sweetness and soft aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. It is popular because it feels refreshing, easy on the palate, and made from simple ingredients that are often already in the kitchen.
The drink is created through soaking, blending, and filtering rice with water, then enriching it with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. The result is a silky, milky-textured beverage served cold, perfect for relaxed moments or warm days.
Now let’s go step by step and prepare it clearly and carefully.
Ingredients We Need with Exact Measurements
To prepare about 8 servings of Horchata, we use:
- Water: 6 cups total (divided into parts)
- Long-grain white rice: 1 1/2 cups
- Cinnamon stick: 1 piece (about 3 inches)
or cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz / about 397 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
These simple ingredients work together to build a creamy base with gentle sweetness and a warm aroma.
Step 1: Preparing the Cinnamon Infusion
We begin by preparing the cinnamon water.
1. Take a small saucepan and add 1 cup of water.
2. Place the cinnamon stick into the water.
3. Heat it over medium to high heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
4. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
5. Let the cinnamon steep for about 10 minutes.
This step helps release a soft, warm aroma into the water. If cinnamon powder is used instead, we can mix it directly later during blending.
Step 2: Rinsing the Rice Properly
While the cinnamon is soaking, we prepare the rice.
1. Place 1 1/2 cups of rice into a bowl.
2. Rinse it under cold running water.
3. Gently stir with hands until the water becomes less cloudy.
4. Drain well before using.
This step removes extra surface starch and helps the final drink feel smoother instead of heavy.
Step 3: Blending the Base Mixture
Now we combine everything for the first blend.
1. Add the rinsed rice into a blender.
2. Pour in the cinnamon-infused water (including the cinnamon stick if used).
3. Add the remaining 5 cups of fresh water.
4. Blend for about 1 minute until the rice grains start breaking down.
The mixture should look milky and slightly grainy. This is the base that will develop flavor during soaking.
Step 4: First Straining and Adjusting
We now separate part of the liquid.
1. Place a large bowl on the counter.
2. Pour most of the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the bowl.
3. Return the blender jar with any leftover liquid and swirl it lightly to collect remaining rice particles.
4. Add this second portion into the bowl as well.
We avoid adding extra water here because it may weaken the flavor.
Step 5: Soaking for Full Flavor Development
This is an important resting stage.
1. Leave the mixture at room temperature.
2. Let it soak for at least 3 hours.
3. Stir every hour to keep it evenly mixed.
During this time, the rice slowly releases more flavor and creates a richer base texture.
Step 6: Filtering for a Smooth Texture
After soaking, we refine the drink.
1. Place a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl.
2. Line it with cheesecloth or a clean thin cloth.
3. Pour the mixture through slowly.
4. Gently press to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Discard the remaining solids.
The result should be a smooth, pale liquid with a light creamy look.
Step 7: Adding Sweetness and Aroma
Now we finish the flavor.
1. Pour the strained liquid into a large container.
2. Add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Stir thoroughly until fully blended.
At this stage, the drink becomes creamy, sweet, and fragrant.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
We complete the process with cooling.
1. Chill the drink in the refrigerator until very cold.
2. Stir before serving to keep the texture even.
3. Pour over ice if desired.
The chilled version feels smoother and more refreshing, making it enjoyable for slow sipping.
A Simple Sip Worth Sharing
Lykkers, this Horchata recipe shows how a few everyday ingredients can transform into a soft, refreshing drink with patience and simple steps. From rinsing the rice to the final chill, each stage plays a clear role in building its texture and taste.
We hope this step-by-step guide helps make the process easy to follow and enjoyable to try.
How to Make the PERFECT HORCHATA, so refreshing so delicious!
Video by Cooking Con Claudia
