Beverages

Experience the classic refreshment of Mexican horchata with this easy non-dairy version. Silky-smooth and delightfully aromatic, this chilled beverage thrives on the subtle perfumed notes of cardamom paired with cinnamon’s warmth, while the creamy texture comes from basmati rice and almonds. Perfect for hot summer days or as a cozy treat, this horchata is a crowd-pleaser that’s both budget-friendly and simple to prepare from scratch.

Basmati rice offers a fragrant base, balanced by the nutty richness of almonds, with subtle hints of spice that gently linger. This vegan-friendly recipe skips all dairy, giving you an all-natural option that’s just as creamy as the traditional drink. Serve it well-chilled, over ice if desired, for a sweet, comforting sip that both kids and adults will love.

Non-Dairy Horchata: Creamy Vegan Rice Drink

Print Recipe

By Malini Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 m Cooking Time: 8 h 30 m

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 6 cardamom pods, seeds removed and crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or more to taste
• 1/3 cup peeled, slivered almonds
• 5 cups water
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Instructions

1

Grind the basmati rice in a blender until it becomes a fine powder, then place it into a large pitcher. Add the crushed cardamom seeds and ground cinnamon.

2

In the blender, combine the slivered almonds with about 1/3 cup water and blend until smooth. Stir this almond mixture into the rice and spice blend.

3

Add 4 cups of water to the pitcher, mixing thoroughly. Cover and let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight for best flavor.

4

After steeping, transfer the mixture back to the blender and blend with the sugar, gradually adding up to 2/3 cup water until smooth.

5

Pour the blended liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into another container, gently pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.

6

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving chilled.

Notes

Tips:
For the richest flavor, allow the mixture to soak overnight to fully extract the rice and almond essence. Use a fine mesh or double-layered cheesecloth for a velvety texture. Adjust the sweetness or cinnamon to your personal preference and serve over ice for an extra-refreshing touch.