Classic Horchata

 Here's a recipe for Classic Horchata, a creamy and refreshing rice-based drink with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla:

Classic Horchata

Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cups water

1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)

Optional: ¼ cup blanched almonds for extra nuttiness

Optional: Rum or tequila, for a spiked version

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice and Cinnamon:
In a blender, combine the rice, cinnamon sticks, and water. Blend for about 1-2 minutes until the rice and cinnamon are roughly ground. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or pitcher, cover, and let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Blend Again and Strain:
After soaking, blend the mixture again for about a minute. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove the rice and cinnamon solids.

3. Add Milk and Flavorings:
Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar, adjusting the sweetness to taste. If you’re adding almonds, blend them with the rice mixture for extra richness before straining.

4. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate until cold, then serve over ice. For a spiked version, add a shot of rum or tequila to each glass before serving.

This horchata is creamy, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!