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 .

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. Mexican horchata is typically made with rice, water, cinnamon, milk, and sugar.

What is the difference between horchata and dirty horchata?

Dirty horchata is a shot of cold brew added to creamy, sweet horchata . ☕ Horchata is a traditional refreshing Mexican drink made from rice, milk and almonds.

Why is horchata not vegan?

Not always, most Horchata recipes are made from rice milk and regular cow milk to add a creamy texture to the drink, so they are not vegan.

What makes horchata chalky?

The rice adds a starchy or chalky quality, and perhaps to compensate, most taquerias use a very heavy hand with the sugar. But the rice flavor is also part of horchata's charm, and this version inspired by GCM vendors reduces the sweetness—a bit.

What are the two types of horchata?

Truth is there are two major kinds of horchata ( Spanish and Mexican ) and they're as similar as they are different. As in both are cold, milky, sweet beverages but they're made with different ingredients.

How is horchata originally made?

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.

Why is horchata healthy?

It is a source of vitamins C and E, and is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron . Most recipes are dairy and gluten-free, ensuring horchata is easy on the stomach. When you want a beverage that is simple, natural, and provides health benefits with ease, horchata is the perfect option for you.

Does horchata have dairy in it?

While the recipes may vary, it is a relatively simple beverage, requiring few ingredients. In general, horchata is a sweet, dairy-free beverage that is made via a process of soaking grains, nuts, or seeds overnight in water. This mixture is then drained, and sugar or other spices are added to sweeten the beverage.

Does horchata contain almonds?

Across South America horchata is made with rice and/or sesame seeds, melon seeds, peanuts, almonds, or cashews . For this homemade almond-and-rice milk horchata recipe, we roast the nuts for maximum toasted flavor (though you can skip this step if you prefer).

Is horchata made from cow milk?

However, Jennifer Feltham, one of the owners of Sonoratown in downtown L.A., said, “Real horchata isn't supposed to have dairy. But it's easier, cheaper and involves less labor to use cow milk because you get that creamy texture without all the work of soaking, blending, then straining out the rice.”

Is Almond Milk the same as rice milk?

Almond milk is lower in calories and carbs compared to rice milks . It's also one of the lowest glycemic index milks, which means it's not as likely to spike your blood sugar compared to rice milk, which is among the highest-carb milk options.

Vegan Horchata Recipe with Almond Milk

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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)

For an even better horchata, I recommend straining it a second time through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.

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?

I would love it if you leave me a 5-star rating or comment. This way, I better get to know which recipes you like and can make more of them.

📖 Recipe

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

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Prep Time :10 minutes mins

Soaking Time :8 hours hrs

Ingredients

▢ ⅓ 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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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)