Toasted Rice Horchata

Name: Horchata de Arroz Tostado (Toasted Rice Drink)
Prep time: PT0D0H0M
Cook time: PT0D0H10M
Total time: PT0D0H10M
Yield: 4
Ingredients: ⅓ cup uncooked medium- or long-grain rice; One 1-in. cinnamon stick, preferably Ceylon; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ tsp. vanilla extract; Ground cinnamon, preferably Ceylon, for garnish

Golden grains add a nutty aroma to this cinnamony Mexican thirst-quencher.

Serves
4
Time
10 minutes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING BY JESSIE YUCHEN

By Fany Gerson

Updated on October 4, 2023

This toasted rice drink, traditionally served in the Mexican state of Campeche, is one of many varieties of horchata commonly enjoyed in Latin American cultures. We like making this horchata de arroz tostado recipe from Fany Gerson—the Brooklyn-based chef behind Fan-Fan Doughnuts, confection company La Newyorkina, and Mexican restaurant Mijo—whenever a refreshingly sweet sip is in order. For the cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon, Gerson recommends Ceylon for its mild flavor and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

⅓ cup uncooked medium- or long-grain rice
One 1-in. cinnamon stick, preferably Ceylon
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, preferably Ceylon, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1

In a skillet set over medium-low heat, toast the rice and cinnamon stick, stirring occasionally, until they release a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender and process into a fine powder. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of water and blend well. Set a wet cheesecloth over a pitcher and strain in the rice mixture (discard the sediment), then stir in 2 more cups of water. Set in the fridge to chill completely.