Horchata is a traditional Hispanic drink found at aguas frescas stands during summer festivals and fiestas. Many northern New Mexican restaurants also serve this classic rice milk drink. Flavored with cinnamon and other spices, it's creamy and refreshing on hot summer days.
Horchata is traditionally made with rice, nuts, sweetener, and spices. Here, we've also added teas like matcha and butterfly pea flower for a fun take on traditional horchata.
1. Matcha Horchata recipe
A twist on a classic horchata recipe, this creamy, bright matcha horchata blends the vegetal umami of matcha with the milky sweetness of horchata.
Matcha Horchata ingredients
For the horchata:
- 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup oat milk, unsweetened
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the tea:
- 4 oz hot water
- 1 tsp Culinary Grade Matcha
Instructions
- Soak 1/2 cup rice, 1 1/2 cup water, and 1 cinnamon stick overnight.
- Place horchata ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain and transfer horchata to a pitcher.
- Place the matcha in a small bowl and cover with the hot water.
- Whisk until smooth, then let it cool.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the horchata until 3/4 of the glass is full.
- Top off with matcha.
2. Horchata Chai recipe
Chai tea and horchata are both known for their creamy, sweet flavors, so it makes perfect sense to combine them in this tasty spiced concoction. Cool, sweet horchata and milky, spicy chai are the perfect complements!
Horchata Chai ingredients
For the horchata:
- 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup oat milk, unsweetened
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the tea:
- 4 oz boiling water
- 1 tsp Masala Chai loose tea
Instructions
- Soak 1/2 cup rice, 1 1/2 cup water, and 1 cinnamon stick overnight.
- Place horchata ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, then strain and transfer horchata to a pitcher.
- Steep Masala chai for five minutes. Let it cool.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the horchata until 3/4 of the glass is full.
- Top off with masala chai tea.
- Enjoy!
3. Blue Moon Horchata
The recipe tops sweet, creamy horchata with floral, brilliantly blue butterfly pea flower tea. The result is a visually stunning drink that’s perfect for cooling off with on a warm afternoon.
Blue Moon Horchata ingredients
For the horchata:
- 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup oat milk, unsweetened
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the tea:
- 4 oz boiling water
- 1 tsp Butterfly Pea Flower herbal tea
Instructions
- Soak 1/2 cup rice, 1 1/2 cup water, and 1 cinnamon stick overnight.
- Place horchata ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, then strain and transfer horchata to a pitcher.
- Place the tea in a cup, infuse with hot water.
- Steep for five minutes. Strain and let it cool.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the horchata until 3/4 of the glass is full.
- Top off with the butterfly pea flower tea.
- Enjoy!
4. Horchata Rooibos
Our Horchata Rooibos loose leaf tea blend is an herbal tea blend inspired by traditional horchata. This tea combines South African rooibos with roasted rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices. Enjoy it on its own, or with a splash of milk and sweetener. Horchata Rooibos makes an excellent iced tea!
Horchata Rooibos ingredients
- Horchata Rooibos loose leaf tea blend (contains South African rooibos, organic cinnamon pieces, organic roasted rice, anise, cloves, allspice, natural vanilla flavor)
- Ice
- Whole or plant-based milk (optional)
Instructions
- Use 1 level teaspoon per 6 oz. water.
- Heat water to a full boil and infuse tea leaves.
- Steep for 5 minutes or more.
- Remove tea leaves and enjoy hot, or
- Cool tea in the refrigerator, then add ice and milk for a tasty iced tea!
Photo and recipe credits: Sandra Aguirre.
