Traditional Horchata

Cynna's Note:

A refreshing cold drink made of rice, almonds, cinnamon (canella), lime zest and sugar. This drink is rumored to be a cure for a hangover and is frequently served at breakfast time. Even though the drink has a milky appearance it is completely dairy-free. From GourmetSleuth, posted for ZWT II '06

• Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 6 hrs
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 6 tablespoons rice
• 6 ounces blanched almonds (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 inch cinnamon stick (canella)
• 3 slices lime zest (rind only, not the white pithy part)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. The traditional way to make horchata is with a metate y mano(a tradiotonal type of mortar and pestle). For those of us less adventurous, or simple those with less time, we can use a blender.
2. Pulverize the rice using a metate y mano or your blender. Grind the mixture as smooth as possible.
3. Combine the rice with the almonds, cinnamon and lime zest. Let this mixture stand overnight or 6 hours minimum.
4. Place the mixture in the blender jar and blend for at least 3 - 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and no long has a gritty texture.
5. Add 2 cups of water and blend again for just a few seconds.
6. Place a large sieve over a mixing bowl.
7. Line the sieve with 3 layers of damp cheesecloth.
8. Pour in the rice mixture, a little at a time and keep stirring to help the mixture go through the sieve.
9. Once all the liquid has passed through to the bowl gather the cloth together at the top, give it a twist and squeeze out any additional liquid.
10. Now add 2 more cups of water and stir in as much sugar as you'd like, to taste.
11. If the mixture is too thick, add some additional water.
12. Cover and refrigerate. The drink should keep several days, refrigerated.
13. Serve in a tall glass over ice.

Reviews

[Chabear01]

When I went to make this I found my Cinnamon Sticks had gone missing ???? so rather than a 30 mile one way trip to the market I used 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, other than that substitution this was made exactly per your recipe. Ohhhh my goodness the only complaint I have is that one recipe simply is NOT enough! Here I am all by myself, and the single recipe didn't even make it through the day! I so love this and am looking forward now to Cinco de Mayo when I will make several batches to be served with our traditional meal of Chacha's Greasy Taco Recipe and refried beans. Thank You so much for sharing this wonderfully delicious recipe, I am honestly bowing down to you. Made for Bargain Basement Event.

[August Midge]

This is how I remember being made when I was little!!!!