Sip into summer: Homemade horchata — easy, frugal and full of flavor

In the heat of summer, have you ever craved a cool, refreshing beverage that not only quenches your thirst, but also tantalizes your taste buds with creamy sweetness? Yes?

Well, look no further than horchata, the rice-based beverage that has been capturing hearts and palates around the world.

The complete name is “Agua de Horchata,” which translates to “rice water.” Horchata is a traditional milky beverage made from a combination of rice, water, cinnamon, milk, sugar and vanilla.

While various regional recipes exist, each with its own twist, the fundamental elements remain the same.

The rice is soaked overnight with cinnamon, then blended and strained to create a smooth puree. To enhance its sweetness, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla are added.

Additional water is incorporated to achieve the ideal balance of flavors. The creamy sweetness makes it a perfect accompaniment to spicy foods.

Originally hailing from Valencia, Spain, horchata has gained international acclaim as a go-to summer refresher. Its dairy-free origins allowed street vendors to serve it without refrigeration, keeping it fresh and safe.

Although most traditional recipes include dairy milk, you can easily adapt it to your dietary preferences by using alternative milks like coconut, cashew or almond milk while adjusting the sweetness to your liking.

As with many deep-rooted traditional recipes, there are as many variations as there are families making them. Just like spaghetti sauce or meatloaf recipes, your favorite is probably whatever your grandmother made.

Once you have mastered the art of making horchata, let your creativity flow with these exciting serving ideas:

• Blend horchata with vanilla ice cream for indulgent milkshakes.

• Make horchata paletas or ice pops, alone or with chopped fruit.

• Combine horchata with iced coffee for a delicious horchata latte.

For adults seeking an extra kick, add a splash of rum or coconut vodka, or add shots of espresso and coffee liquor to your horchata for a tempting cocktail.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard gathering or simply seeking a moment of tranquility on a hot summer day, horchata is the easy, frugal and unique beverage that will transport you to a blissful oasis with every delightful sip.

Cheers to the simple pleasures!

Agua De Horchata

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 sticks cinnamon

5 cups water (divided)

Pinch of salt

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Procedure

In a bowl, combine the rice, cinnamon sticks and 2 cups of hot water. Allow it to soak for 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the cinnamon sticks.

Transfer the soaked rice to a blender and process until it reaches a smooth consistency, which may take a few minutes. If desired, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining rice solids.

Add the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the blended rice mixture. You can use the blender again to ensure a frothy texture.

Pour the horchata into a pitcher and gradually add water — at least 3 cups — to achieve your preferred taste and consistency. Stir well.

Keep the horchata chilled until serving time and serve over ice for an extra-refreshing experience.