Sweet Rice & Cinnamon Drink — Liquid Refreshment
"Creamy, sweet, cinnamon-kissed. The ultimate thirst quencher for spicy food."
Rinse rice well. Place in a bowl with cinnamon stick and 5 cups water.
Cover and soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Longer soak = creamier horchata. Overnight is best for the silkiest texture.
Remove cinnamon stick. Blend rice with its soaking water on high for 2-3 minutes until very smooth.
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher. Discard solids.
Rinse blender, add 3 cups fresh water, blend briefly to rinse any remaining rice. Strain into pitcher.
Stir in evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Taste and adjust sweetness.
Refrigerate until cold. Stir well before serving over ice. Dust with ground cinnamon.
Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or oat milk.
Mix with cold brew coffee. Iced horchata coffee is incredible.
Add a shot of rum or Kahlúa for adults-only refreshment.