Make this quick horchata recipe using leftover rice and save yourself time and hassle. A cool and refreshing cinnamon-flavored drink isn't too far away!
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Horchata, a cold cinnamon-flavored rice drink, is incredibly refreshing, especially during hot summer days.
As a cinnamon enthusiast, it's one of my favorite cold beverages, and its affordability makes it even more appealing. With rice being a staple in our pantry, I often repurpose leftovers into new recipes, making horchata a welcomed addition.
We ALWAYS have rice on hand because it's such a Frugal Pantry Staple, and it's versatile too. From Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos to Easy Salsa Rice, and Hot Dog Fried Rice, it can be used to stretch meals, make a simple side dish and then some.
However, surplus cooked white rice often leads to leftovers. This Quick Horchata Recipe is perfect for utilizing those leftovers, offering a quick and budget-friendly solution.
A pitcher of homemade horchata costs mere pennies to make, making it even more affordable than Strawberry Pink Lemonade.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy horchata. Made with just a few steps, this recipe couldn't be any simpler. Blend, strain, add water, and serve.
- Minimal ingredients. While this is a recipe known for not too many ingredients, it should be noted that a lot of the ingredients that are needed are already in your home- water, leftover rice, etc.
- One batch makes enough to share. One large pitcher of horchata is plenty to share with everybody and can be spread out even more when served in glasses filled with ice.
🛒 Ingredients
Cooked white rice- You will need already cooked rice. This is great for using up leftovers when you aren't making Bacon Fried Rice.
Water- You'll need some water to be the base of this recipe, but if you'd prefer to add in the milk or use a combination of milk and water, you may.
Granulated sugar- Use granulated sugar to get the horchata drink sweetened.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Rice Options. Leftover cooked rice works best, but fresh rice is fine too. Traditional horchata uses uncooked rice soaked overnight, but cooked rice makes this version fast with similar results. If you have extra rice to use up, try it with our Honey Soy Chicken Bites.
Milk Variations. Add 1 cup milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, or almond milk for a creamier drink. Adjust the water-to-milk ratio to taste.
Vegan-Friendly. Use only water or swap in plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Flavor Add-Ins. Add more cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, or a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use leftover rice. This Quick Horchata Recipe is designed specifically to repurpose cooked rice, helping stretch meals and reduce food waste.
Skip the milk. Horchata made with water only is the most budget-friendly version and still delicious.
Make a full pitcher. A large batch costs pennies and replaces pricey store-bought drinks.
🥄 Instructions for Quick Horchata Recipe
Step 1: Add 2 cups of water, rice, cinnamon, and vanilla to a blender.
Step 2: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until the rice is finely chopped and blended.
Step 3: Place a fine-mesh strainer over the top of a pitcher and strain the mixture into the pitcher so that there are no chunks.
Step 4: Add in the sugar and stir well to combine until dissolved.
Step 5: Add in the remaining water and stir to combine.
If desired you can stir in one cup of milk for a cloudier look.
Step 6: Serve over ice in your drinking glasses.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Keep horchata in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before serving, as some settling is normal.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve this Quick Horchata Recipe with tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. It also pairs well with spicy dishes, grilled meats, or simple snacks like churros and cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips. For a refreshing treat, enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or a light dessert.
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla ChipsRecipe $1.95 / Serving $0.49
- Tortilla French ToastRecipe $2.85 / Serving $0.71
- Chicken Fajita Freezer MealRecipe $10.02 / Serving $1.67
- Nacho CupcakesRecipe $5.01 / Serving $0.21
❓ Recipe FAQs
Traditional horchata doesn't contain dairy which is great for those with allergies or trying to limit their dairy intake. I included a side note on the recipe card below on adding in cows milk, if desired.
This drink has been around for hundreds of years and some believe it to be one of the healthiest drinks you can have. Cinnamon is great for all sorts of benefits and rice is packed with nutrients as well.
This drink is usually made with medium or long grain white rice, but it can be made with other types of rice as well. Basmati, brown rice, or even jasmine rice can be used instead, but note that the flavors may change slightly with more flavorful types of rice.
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🐝 If you tried this Quick Horchata Recipe, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Quick Horchata Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 cups water, divided - ($0.00)
- 1 cup cooked white rice - ($0.00)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ($0.04)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract - ($0.06)
- ½ cup granulated sugar - ($0.18)
- 1 cup milk, optional
Instructions
- Blend. Add the 2 cups of water, cooked rice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is finely broken down.
- Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing to remove any solids. Discard the solids.
- Sweeten. Stir the granulated sugar into the strained liquid until fully dissolved.
- Dilute. Add the remaining 10 cups of water and stir to combine.
- Finish. Stir in the milk if using. Serve over ice.
Notes
- Rice. Fresh or leftover cooked white rice both work well.
- Milk Option. Adding milk creates a cloudier, creamier horchata.
- Customization. Adjust sweetness or cinnamon to taste.
- Storage. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before serving.
Nutritional Information
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