Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (2024)

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Authentic vegan horchata recipe with almond milk! This refreshing almond milk horchata version is healthier than its original, dairy-free, and lactose-free.

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (1)

Mexican Horchata, also known as Agua de Horchata, is one of the most popular Mexican drinks ever!

A delicious creamy, rich, and very sweet drink with delicate cinnamon flavors made with white rice, cinnamon, and milk. It is served on every corner in Mexico, but only the one freshly made and with high-quality ingredients tastes the best. There is nothing better than a homemade horchata served with spicy Mexican food!

The traditional horchata recipe is made with evaporated milk, making it super creamy and rich in its taste through the high amount of fat and sugar in the evaporated milk. Granted, this drink in its original state is also high in sugar.

Anyhow, if you happened to be in Mexico once, you MUST try it!

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (2)

Agua Frescas – Authentic Mexican Drinks

Everybody who has ever visited Mexico knows that Agua Frescas are one of the most authentic Mexican recipes. You can find them at every corner, and they are always made and served the same way with a lot of sugar over ice.

The most popular ones are:

  • Agua de Jamaica – Hibiscus Water → made with dried hibiscus flowers
  • Agua de Horchata – Rice Water → made with rice and cinnamon
  • Agua de Sandia – Watermelon Water →made with fresh watermelon
  • Agua de Tamarindo – Tamarind Water → made with fresh or dried tamarind pods
  • Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (3)
  • Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (4)

Healthier Vegan Version

My horchata recipe is a slightly healthier and vegan version of the original. It’s made with almond milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Therefore, it’s 100% vegan, dairy-free, and so, also suitable if you are lactose intolerant.

Furthermore, I have generously reduced the amount of sugar. Authentic horchata contains a lot of sugar and is way too sweet. In my opinion, it doesn’t need that much sugar. It tastes just as delicious with less of it.

I love to sweeten it with maple syrup. Feel free to use white sugar, and please do adjust the sweetness according to your taste. For a more authentic feeling, add more sugar.

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (5)

How To Make This Vegan Horchata Recipe

Read through this visual step-by-step guide with lots of extra tips!The exact quantities and everything else you need to know for the recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Add rice, water, and cinnamon stick in a large bowl and let it soak overnight at room temperature. → It’s much easier to blend soaked rice!
Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (6)
  • Pour the whole mixture along with maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and clove powder into a blender. Blend 2-3 times at high speed until completely smooth.
Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (7)
  • Strain into a pitcher (or large bowl).
Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (8)
  • Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (9)
  • Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (10)
  • Stir in almond milk. → Please only add the almond milk once blended. Almond milk is extremely foamy milk, and it would leave you with excessive foam if you blend it along with the other ingredients.
  • Chill and serve over ice. I love to sprinkle it with ground cinnamon before serving!
Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (11)

Tips

Strain:I recommend straining the horchata through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth if you have one at home. Alternatively, and the quicker method is to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. The “pulp” will settle at the bottom of the bottle when stored in the fridge. Feel free to stir it before serving or gently pour it into glasses so that the pulp stays where it is.

Sweetness:As already mentioned, this version is less sweet than the authentic recipe. Feel free to add more sugar! Replace maple syrup with sugar of choice.

More Mexican Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Vegan Tacos
  • Guacamole
  • Cafe de Olla

Did you try this recipe?

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📖 Recipe

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (12)

Vegan Horchata

Authentic vegan horchata recipe with almond milk! This refreshing almond milk horchata version is healthier than its original, dairy-free, and lactose-free.

Author : Aline Cueni

4.86 from 7 votes

Click on the stars to leave a vote!

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Prep Time :10 minutes mins

Soaking Time :8 hours hrs

Total Time :8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings : 4

Calories : 111kcal

Ingredients

  • cup (65 g) basmati rice or white long-grain rice of choice
  • 4 cups (960 ml) water
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup or sugar/sweetener of choice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 pinch clove powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk

Instructions

  • Add rice, water, and cinnamon stick in a large bowl and let it soak overnight at room temperature.

  • Pour the whole mixture along with maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and clove powder into a blender. Blend 2-3 times at high speed until completely smooth.

  • Strain into a pitcher (or large bowl) and stir in almond milk.

  • Chill and serve over ice.

Notes

  • This horchata will keep in the fridge for several days.
  • Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon powder before serving.
  • Don’t add the almond milk to the blender, as this milk foams extremely well!
  • Adjust the sweetness to your taste. → Traditional Mexican horchata is much sweeter than this healthier recipe version.
  • Strain: I recommend straining the horchata through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.

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Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (15)

Aline Cueni

I’m a girl who loves to cook and bake delicious homemade food. Let me help you to incorporate more plant-based foods into everyday life! Vegetarian & vegan recipes can be anything but boring.

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk | Aline Made (2024)

FAQs

Is horchata made from almond milk? ›

The Mexican version of horchata is typically made creamy using dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, or whole milk, but it's not uncommon for traditional versions to be made plant-based with almond milk in place of cow's milk.

How do you make horchata less thick? ›

Cold water- more water will need to be added to the horchata at the end to thin it out a bit. Be careful not to add too much- remember that it will be served over ice which will water it down a bit more. Ice- like my dad says, ice is the most important ingredient in horchata!

Why is my horchata separating? ›

Separation of the water and rice in horchata is totally normal, especially if it's been sitting in the fridge. Just stir the horchata right before serving.

How do you make almond milk that doesn't separate? ›

If you want to make sure it doesn't separate so easily, blending in a little lecithin will emulsify the fat and water. In the recipe below, I'd suggest using 1 to 2 teaspoons of lecithin. This recipe is for a good consistency almond milk. If you want a creamier and thicker almond milk, use 2 cups of nuts, instead of 1.

What is dirty horchata made of? ›

Stopping in for a quick Saturday co*cktail to share this (extra) Dirty Horchata. Homemade Horchata, a sweet cinnamon drink popular throughout Latin America, is topped off with coffee and a splash of dark rum (or Kahlúa). It's a touch of creaminess, hinted with cinnamon and coffee, and perfectly sweet.

What does horchata mean in English? ›

Meaning of horchata in English. a drink made from nuts or rice, that looks like milk and is drunk in Spain and Latin American countries, or a glass of this drink: Valencia is also known for its horchata.

Why does my horchata taste sour? ›

Horchata that has gone bad will usually smell sour, similar to spoiled milk. Also, if you pour it and observe any clumps, chunks, or separated layers, these are clear signs that the horchata is no longer good. The taste, too, will be off, generally sour or rancid. Always store horchata in the refrigerator.

Why is my horchata so thick? ›

Always taste the drink before adding the sugar. You might need more or less sugar than the amount indicated in the ingredients. If you feel that the consistency of the Horchata is too thick or dense for your taste, simply add more water.

Is drinking too much horchata bad for you? ›

Considerations and Risks. As we are aware horchata is high in sugar levels that might have a chance to increase sugar levels in individuals. Consumption of it in moderation is a wise decision for an enhanced state of health.

How to make horchata not grainy? ›

How do I achieve the right texture for horchata? The texture of horchata is slightly grainy, but otherwise smooth and refreshing. To achieve this texture, be sure to fully pulverize the rice and cinnamon in a grinder. You will want the rice and cinnamon mixture to have the consistency of rice flour.

Can horchata go bad in the fridge? ›

Horchata will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. The best thing to do is to remove the lid from the pitcher or container and give it a little smell. If it's gone bad, you'll definitely know.

How to fix separated almond milk? ›

To fix separated thawed almond milk you will need to simply blend the almond milk in a blender for about 30 seconds until the texture of the milk is fixed. If you don't have a blender, you can use a food processor as well.

What happens if you use almond milk instead of whole milk? ›

Almond milk can be used 1:1 in place of 2% milk and whole milk when baking. When using it in place of whole milk, confections may bake a little faster, as there is more water in almond milk than dairy milk. This water evaporates causing the baked good to rise and set more quickly.

Is it OK if almond milk separates? ›

The Best Way to Store Almond Milk

That controlled temperature will help keep it fresh. Oh and if you find that your milk has separated (a common occurrence with the fresh stuff), that doesn't mean it's gone bad — just shake it up and it will be good to sip. If it's still chunky after shaking, then it's time to toss it.

What kind of milk is horchata made from? ›

Horchata is a sweet rice drink that is very popular not only in Mexico but also in the US! Most people know of the dairy version with evaporated and condensed milk, but horchata can also be made dairy-free.

What was horchata originally made from? ›

The original horchata from Valencia, Spain is made from chufa, or tiger nuts, water, sugar and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Tiger nuts didn't grow in the Americas when the Spanish arrived, so the Spanish used different nuts, seeds and grains to recreate horchata in their colonies.

Is almond milk the same as rice milk? ›

One key difference between rice milk and almond milk is their protein content. Almond milk contains more protein than rice milk, which can be beneficial for those looking to increase their protein intake. However, rice milk is a good option for those with nut allergies or sensitivities, as it is nut-free.

Does Spanish horchata have dairy? ›

Horchata (/ɔːrˈtʃɑːtə/; Spanish: [oɾˈtʃata]), or orxata ( Valencian: [oɾˈtʃata]), is a name given to various beverages, which are generally plant based, but sometimes contain animal milk. In Spain, it is made with soaked, ground, and sweetened tiger nuts.

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