It's time to build up an arsenal of tasty beverages to help get us through the summer. Horchata should definitely be on the list.
Making your own horchata is the best way to go because you can tailor the drink just to your likings. Every recipe is different. Most use evaporated and/or condensed milk, which I'm not particularly fond of. The version I'm sharing with you today is refreshing and not too sweet. It uses whole foods and won't weigh you down on these hot, hot summer days.
The recipe comes from the blog Averie Cooks. At the site you will find a couple of variations on the recipe as well as different ways to use your homemade horchata. But in my opinion, the best way to drink it is ice cold in a tall glass. Straight up.
Here's what I used: 1 cup raw almonds 2/3 cup long grain white rice, uncooked 2 1/2 cups water + 3 cups water 1 cinnamon stick 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine almonds, rice, cinnamon stick and 2 1/2 cups of water in a large container. Leave to soak 12 hours. Remove the cinnamon stick, pour the mixture into a high-speed blender and blend for 2 or 3 minutes, or until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, vanilla and 3 cups of water and blend for another 2 or 3 minutes.
You could drink it at this point, but if you don't like a gritty texture (which I don't) strain the mixture over a few layers of cheesecloth.
Enjoy.
