How to Make Orchata

Orchata is a tasty beverage that hails from Mexico and various countries in South America. Originally known as horchata, the term orchata is often favored in Spanish speaking countries, although in some localities the two terms are used interchangebly. While it takes a day to make orchata, fans of the beverage will quickly point out that the end product is well worth the wait. Here is a simple recipe for preparing orchata using simple long grain rice.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white long grain rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Blender
• Strainer
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

Combine Your Ingredients

1. Combine the rice and one cup of hot water (microwave heating works fine) into a bowl. Make sure the rice is completely covered by the water. Place on the counter and allow the rice to stand in the water overnight.

2. Strain the rice to remove any excess water. Rinse well and strain again.

3. Blend the rice, two cups of milk, and ½ cup room temperature water until the rice is completely ground and blended into the liquid.

4. Remove the lid of the blender and add the granulated sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Blend for one minute to ensure the sugar is dissolved and the cinnamon and vanilla are distributed throughout the liquid.

5. Take off the lid and add the remaining two cups of milk and ½ cup room temperature water and blend for one minute.

6. Strain the liquid through the cheesecloth into a large-mouthed container, such as an open pitcher. Allow the liquid to run through the cheesecloth slowly. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth in an attempt to speed up the process.

7. Chill the orchata for at least a couple of hours. This allows the ingredients one final period to mingle.

Tips & Warnings

• For people who are watching starch intake, almond slivers can be substituted for the rice. One cup of almonds, prepared in exactly the same way as the long grain rice, will produce a tasty version.

• Wild rice can also be used in place of white rice.

• For a different taste, try substituting a different flavor of extract for the vanilla.

• Low fat milk may be used in the place of whole milk.

• While not a difficult recipe, orchata does take time. Do not attempt to use shortcuts to speed up the process because that will only produce a beverage that lacks full flavor.