HORCHATA

1 1/2 C Uncooked White Rice 

 2 Cinnamon Sticks 

 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 Spice 

 Pinch of Salt 

 4 C Hot Water (divided) 

 2 C Whole Milk (or your milk of choice) 

 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon 

 2 tsp Mexican Vanilla 

 1/2 C Sugar (to taste) 

 Place uncooked rice, cinnamon sticks, 5 spice and salt in a blender. Slowly pulse, just until rice and cinnamon sticks are "rough chopped" (not powdered!) Add 2 cups of the hot water. Pulse a few more times, add remaining hot water, pulse a bit more.  Put in a container with a lid and chill in the refrigerator overnight or at least 8 hours. 

 After chilling, Pour liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher. Discard the rice mixture. To the liquid in the pitcher add the milk, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar. Mix well. Keep chilled until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. (makes 6 cups)

 (I love HORCHATA! I like to mix it with my coca-cola or just drink it straight! Costa Vida always has it on tap... As usual, I researched recipes and then through some experimenting, I created this deliciousness for baby Levi's blessing day. 10/12/25)