World Flavors Cookbook

Agua de Horchata

Mexican rice water sweetened with cinnamon and vanilla — creamy, cold, and refreshing. The agua fresca that everyone orders when unsure what to pick.

Cuisine: Mexico

Ingredients

• 200g long-grain white rice
• 1L water (for soaking)
• 1.5L cold water
• 150g sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Ice

Instructions

1. Soak rice and cinnamon sticks in 1L water overnight (or at least 4 hours).
2. Blend rice with its soaking water until smooth.
3. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a pitcher.
4. Add 1.5L cold water, sugar, and vanilla.
5. Stir until sugar dissolves.
6. Serve over ice.