Apple Spice Horchata

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
• 4 cup water (divided)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 gala apples (cored and chopped)
• 12 oz evaporated milk (1 can)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the rinsed white rice, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water. Let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to soften the rice and infuse the water with cinnamon.

2. 2

   Pour the soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, and soaking water into a high-powered blender.

3. 3

   Add the chopped apples and the remaining 2 cups of water to the blender.

4. 4

   Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is as smooth as possible.

5. 5

   Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove the rice solids and apple pulp. Discard the solids.

6. 6

   Stir in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

7. 7

   Whisk or stir vigorously until the milks are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

8. 8

   Serve chilled over ice, garnished with an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a fresh apple slice.

Notes

If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit of brown sugar or honey as suggested in the comments. For a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated and condensed milks with coconut or oat-based alternatives.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• horchata
• fall
• apple
• beverage
• sweet
• mexican-inspired