Healthy Mexican Horchata
Horchata is a classic Mexican drink that is often more sugar than rice! But there are simple ways to make a healthier version that still has all the flavours of the original dish. This is perfect for those warm mornings where you want something a little sweeter to start the day. Or for a cool and fresh drink at any time.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthier option: This version of Horchata is designed to maintain the traditional flavor while drastically reducing sugar content, making it a healthier option for those mindful of their sugar intake.
- Refreshing: Ideal for warm mornings or any time of the day, this drink offers a fresh and soothing taste that is sure to uplift your mood.
- Easy to prepare: The recipe is straightforward and quick, making it feasible for anyone to prepare, regardless of their culinary skills.
- Versatile: Whether it’s a brunch staple or a refreshing afternoon drink, this Horchata recipe can seamlessly fit into any meal plan.
What is Horchata?
Horchata is known as a Mexican recipe but the idea actually started out in Egypt. Back in ancient times, they used something called a chufa nut to make the drink. The recipe then found its way to Spain where horchata de chufa was made. The Spanish finally brought it to Mexico and the chufa nut was replaced with rice for the drink we know today.
The drink has become very popular because it doesn’t contain milk and in the hotter climate, this makes it easy to be sold by street vendors as well as cafes and restaurants.
The original recipe needs:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1tsp lime zest
- 5 cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Is Horchata healthy?
While traditional Horchata can be high in sugar, it also carries nutritional benefits from its primary ingredient, rice. Rice provides a natural source of energy, aids in digestion, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, the cinnamon used in Horchata has been linked to reducing heart disease risk factors and lowering blood sugar levels. By adjusting the amount of sugar in the recipe, or substituting it with healthier alternatives like honey or stevia, you can create a version of Horchata that is both refreshing and beneficial for your health.
So, while it may not qualify as a health drink, with careful tweaks, you can enjoy this delightful Mexican beverage without too much guilt. But we are going for a slightly healthier version with a little more flavour variety…
What you need to make healthy horchata
- Long-grain white rice: Opt for organic, high-quality rice to ensure the best flavor and texture. Remember to rinse it well to remove any excess starch before use.
- Cinnamon stick: A vital spice in Horchata, adds a warm, comforting taste. Use whole cinnamon sticks for the most robust flavor, and avoid pre-ground cinnamon which can lose its flavor over time. Keep some more cinnamon sticks on hand to garnish.
- Water: Use filtered water if possible to avoid any unwanted flavors from tap water.
- Almond milk: Adds a creamy texture to your Horchata. You can use store-bought almond milk, but for a richer taste, you could also make your own at home.
- Medjool dates: These are a natural sweetener that can help to cut down the sugar content. Choose ripe, soft Medjool dates for the best sweetness.
- Honey: A healthier alternative to sugar, honey not only sweetens your Horchata but also adds a subtle floral note.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a depth of flavor. Use pure vanilla extract and avoid the imitation versions as they lack the nuanced flavor of the real thing.
- Raw almonds: These bring a nutty flavor to your beverage. Be sure to use raw, unsalted almonds. If you prefer, you could soak them in water overnight to soften them up before use.
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Additions
- Long-grain white rice: Brown rice can be used for a more robust flavor and increased fiber content. If you’re looking for a more dessert-like taste, you can experiment with basmati rice.
- Cinnamon stick: If cinnamon sticks are difficult to come by, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be used as a replacement. However, remember that the flavor may not be as intense.
- Almond milk: If you have an allergy or simply prefer a different taste, coconut milk or oat milk can serve as substitutes for almond milk. These alternatives will provide a unique flavor and texture to your Horchata.
- Medjool dates: If Medjool dates aren’t available, regular pitted dates or even raisins can be used as a natural sweetener.
- Honey: If you prefer vegan options, maple syrup can be a good alternative to honey.
- Vanilla extract: For a different twist, almond extract could be used in place of vanilla extract.
- Raw almonds: Raw cashews or macadamia nuts can be used as substitutes for raw almonds. These will add a different kind of nutty flavor to the beverage.
- Additions: For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your Horchata. A splash of rum could transform your Horchata into a delightful adult beverage. For a cooling effect, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves.
How to make the recipe
STEP 1: add the rice, cinnamon and 4 cups of very warm water to the medium glass bowl. Leave it to soak overnight at room temperature or until the rice is soft and the cinnamon easily breaks into smaller pieces.
STEP 2: move the rice mixture to a high powdered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups of water, almond milk, dates, honey, vanilla extract and almonds. Blend until all solids are gone then taste test and add more honey if you like.
STEP 3: strain the blender contents with a fine mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. Discard the solids and move the liquid to a pitcher to drink straight away or a container with a lid.
STEP 4: refrigerated until chilled or serve over ice with a cinnamon stick or a little ground cinnamon to garnish.
Recipe tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly before using it. This removes any residual starch and prevents your Horchata from becoming overly thick.
- For a smoother Horchata, soak your almonds in water overnight along with the rice. This softens the almonds and allows them to blend more easily.
- For a brighter, more refreshing flavor, consider adding a little freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice to your Horchata.
- If you choose to add rum to your Horchata, remember to adjust the sweetness as the rum could make your drink sweeter.
- When straining your Horchata, be patient. Rushing the process could result in a less clear beverage. For the clearest Horchata, consider straining it multiple times.
- If your Horchata is too thick after blending, you can add a little more water or almond milk to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- To enhance the flavor of your Horchata, consider chilling it for a couple of hours before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully during this time.
Storage & reheating
Horchata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness. Storing at a cool temperature also allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in an even more aromatic beverage over time.
As Horchata contains dairy-free milk and fresh ingredients, it’s not advisable to freeze it as the texture and flavor can change upon thawing. Moreover, Horchata is traditionally served chilled, so reheating is not commonly done.
However, if you prefer your Horchata warm, you could gently heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from scorching.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked rice for the Horchata?
Pre-cooked rice is not recommended for Horchata. The soaking process is important as it allows the rice to release its starches, which gives the Horchata its distinctive creamy texture and flavor. Pre-cooked rice has already released much of its starch and will not give the same result.
Can I use sweetened almond milk?
You can use sweetened almond milk, but be aware that it will add extra sweetness to your Horchata. You may want to adjust the amount of honey or dates you use to prevent the drink from becoming too sweet.
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts. However, keep in mind that each type of nut will give a different flavor to the Horchata.
Can I make Horchata without a blender?
A blender is recommended for achieving the smooth texture of Horchata. However, if you don’t have a blender, you could use a mortar and pestle to grind the soaked rice and cinnamon, then strain this mixture thoroughly. The resulting drink might not be as smooth, but it will still be delicious.
Healthy Mexican Horchata
Try a healthy version of a classic Mexican drink with this simple homemade Horchata recipe using white rice and cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1 c. long-grain white rice, rinsed and thoroughly drained
- 1 small organic cinnamon stick
- 6 c. water, divided
- 1 c. almond milk
- 1/3 c. Medjool dates, pitted
- 2-3 T. honey, preferably local
- 1 t. vanilla extract
- ½ c. raw almonds
Optional garnish:
- 4 long cinnamon sticks
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- STEP 1: add the rice, cinnamon and 4 cups of very warm water to the medium glass bowl. Leave it to soak overnight at room temperature or until the rice is soft and the cinnamon easily breaks into smaller pieces.
- STEP 2: move the rice mixture to a high powdered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups of water, almond milk, dates, honey, vanilla extract and almonds. Blend until all solids are gone then taste test and add more honey if you like.
- STEP 3: strain the blender contents with a fine mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. Discard the solids and move the liquid to a pitcher to drink straight away or a container with a lid.
- STEP 4: refrigerated until chilled or serve over ice with a cinnamon stick or a little ground cinnamon to garnish.
Notes
Swap the almond milk for another favourite such as coconut milk to change the flavour of the drink
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 301Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 5gSugar: 41gProtein: 5g
