A Healthy Twist on A Mexican Horchata

Putting a healthy twist on any recipe is challenging especially with a horchata that is often incredibly sweet.  This healthy horchata recipe skips using white sugar and relies on the natural sweetness of Medjool dates and honey.

Healthy Mexican Horchata Recipe

Mexican Horchata Ingredients:

• 1 c. long-grain white rice, rinsed and thoroughly drained
• 1 small organic cinnamon stick
• 6 c. water, divided
• 1 c. almond milk
• 1/3 c. Medjool dates, pitted
• 2-3 T. honey, preferably local
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• ½ c. raw almonds
• 4 long cinnamon sticks, optional garnish
• Ground cinnamon, optional garnish

You’ll find these kitchen tools useful (I've included affiliate links to the products I use at home):

• Blender – I love my Braun because it has smoothie cups and can be used as a blender.  My full review can be found here: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts
• Dollar store kitchen supplies – you can find affordable kitchen tools like a fine-weave mesh strainer and cheesecloth at your local dollar store.

Mexican Horchata Directions:

1. Add rice, organic cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of very warm water to a medium-sized bowl. Let soak overnight at room temperature, or until the rice softens and the cinnamon stick is soft enough to break into several smaller pieces.
2. Transfer the rice mixture to a high-powered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups cold water, almond milk, dates, 2 tablespoons honey, vanilla extract, and almonds. Blend until thoroughly combined and no large solids remain. Taste and add additional honey, if desired.
3. Strain contents of the blender with a fine-weave mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. When finished, discard remaining solids in the strainer and transfer the reserved liquid to a pitcher or other container.
4. Refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice with whole cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, for garnish. Enjoy!

We hope you like this healthier recipe of a Mexican Horchata and that the natural sweetness of the Medjool date and honey lives up to your taste preferences.  If you like this drink recipe you should consider trying a few of our other favorites:

• Frozen Mango Slushy
• Cranberry Moscow Mule
• Lemon Herb Spritzer
• Pink Grapefruit Martini

A Healthy Twist on A Mexican Horchata

Real Momma

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 c. long-grain white rice rinsed and thoroughly drained
• 1 small organic cinnamon stick
• 6 c. water divided
• 1 c. almond milk
• 1/3 c. Medjool dates pitted
• 2-3 T. honey preferably local
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• ½ c. raw almonds
• 4 long cinnamon sticks optional garnish
• Ground cinnamon optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Add rice, organic cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of very warm water to a medium-sized bowl. Let soak overnight at room temperature, or until the rice softens and the cinnamon stick is soft enough to break into several smaller pieces.
• Transfer the rice mixture to a high-powered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups cold water, almond milk, dates, 2 tablespoons honey, vanilla extract, and almonds. Blend until thoroughly combined and no large solids remain. Taste and add additional honey, if desired.
• Strain contents of the blender with a fine-weave mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. When finished, discard remaining solids in the strainer and transfer the reserved liquid to a pitcher or other container.
• Refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice with whole cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, for garnish. Enjoy!