The classic milky drink is creamy, nutty, and refreshing. It takes some patience, but it is worth the effort. The Nixta Taqueria, Austin 2023 Food & Wine New Chef Edgar Rico and his wife, Sara Mardanbigi, serve horchata with indulgent duck tacos, crunchy beet tartare, and a variety of other dishes. Tostadas. They have a classic recipe that is simple and traditional, exactly how horchata ought to be. –Oset Babur-Winter
What’s the difference between basmati and jasmine rice?
Both jasmine and basmati rice are long-grain rice. It may depend on where you live or what you were raised with. Basmati has a slight earthy scent and is longer and brittler. It is widely used in South Asia and the Middle East. The jasmine variety is plumper and pliant and has a more floral fragrance. It is popular in Southeast Asia. For more information on the types of rice, click here. Although the two can be used interchangeably in many recipes, jasmine is the best choice to get the classic horchata texture.
Does horchata contain milk?
The Nixta horchata recipe does not call for milk. You can make classic horchata with or without milk. Many recipes include almond milk or condensed to give the drink a bit of sweetness and body. You can experiment with alternative milk.
What is demerara Sugar?
This coarse Sugar is also known as raw Sugar or turbinado. It has a brown texture and large crystals. This Sugar is perfect for adding a caramel flavor to cookies, bread, muffins, or fresh fruit.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Horchata has a surprising amount of versatility. You can adjust the amount of water you add to your concentrate, which is the mixture you will have after adding rice, cinnamon, and Sugar to your blender to make it creamier or thinner. Or you can spike your horchata by adding white rum or coffee liquor. We also love these horchata ice-cream milkshakes as a dessert. They get a sugary kick from the vanilla ice cream. –OBW
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1/2 cup demerara sugar
- 2 cups water
Directions
- Drain. Drain.
- Add water, rice, Sugar, cinnamon, and cinnamon to the blender. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour 2 ounces into a cup. Add water and ice to taste, depending on the concentration of your horchata. Stir well.
