Imagine the classic comforts of horchata blended seamlessly with the cozy kick of espresso — that’s what you get with a Creamy Horchata Latte. This drink is a true celebration of cultures and flavors, swirling together creamy rice milk, a touch of cinnamon, and rich coffee in every sip. Whether you’re craving a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet treat to impress friends, this Creamy Horchata Latte is pure magic in a glass. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home and delivers a flavor that’s both nostalgic and new, perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Horchata Base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or almond)
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Flavorings & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Horchata Latte
Step 1: Rinse and Blend the Rice
Start by giving your rice a good rinse under cold water to remove excess starch — this keeps the drink smooth, not gritty. Then, toss the rice into a blender with the water and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the rice to break up but not become a total paste; think of it as a rustic puree that will infuse all its goodness into the water.
Step 2: Soak the Rice Mixture
Let the blended rice and water mixture sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or, if you’re planning ahead, pop it in the fridge overnight. This soaking time is where the magic happens: the rice softens and releases its gentle, nutty flavor, setting the stage for a truly creamy horchata latte.
Step 3: Strain for Smoothness
After soaking, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press down on the solids to get every last drop of rice-infused water, then discard the leftover rice. The result? A silky base that’s ready for the next layer of flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Delicious Extras
Now comes the fun part! Stir in the milk, brewed espresso (or strong coffee), sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Take a little taste — if you want it sweeter, just add a splash more condensed milk.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice and Garnish
Fill your favorite glasses with ice cubes, pour over the creamy horchata latte, and, for a finishing touch, add a cinnamon stick or a dusting of ground cinnamon. Each glass looks and tastes like a special treat, perfect for sipping slowly.
How to Serve Creamy Horchata Latte
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Float a cinnamon stick in each glass or sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for an Instagram-worthy look and a boost of warm aroma. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of whipped cream or a few coffee beans make this Creamy Horchata Latte feel extra festive.
Side Dishes
Pair your Creamy Horchata Latte with a plate of buttery shortbread cookies, churros, or a slice of simple coffee cake. The creamy, spiced flavors play perfectly with both sweet and lightly savory snacks, making it a delightful companion for your brunch table or afternoon snack break.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve your Creamy Horchata Latte in mason jars with funky paper straws, or layer it over coffee ice cubes for a slow-melting, extra strong treat. For parties, try setting up a DIY horchata latte bar with bowls of cinnamon, chocolate shavings, and different types of milk so everyone can customize their glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any extra Creamy Horchata Latte, store it in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, since the flavors and textures can settle a bit as it chills.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your horchata latte for later! Pour it into ice cube trays for ready-to-blend frappés, or freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to enjoy it again. It’s a fantastic way to have a cool treat at your fingertips.
Reheating
If you’d like your Creamy Horchata Latte warm instead of iced, simply pour it into a saucepan and heat gently over low, stirring often. Just be careful not to let it boil — a gentle warming is all you need to coax out those cozy flavors without curdling the milk.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Horchata Latte completely dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap in almond milk (or any plant-based milk you love) for the regular milk, and sweeten with maple syrup or sugar instead of condensed milk. It’s just as delicious and totally vegan-friendly.
Do I need an espresso machine?
No espresso machine? No problem! Strong brewed coffee works beautifully here, or you can use instant espresso powder. The goal is a robust coffee flavor to balance the sweet, creamy horchata base.
Can I serve this hot instead of iced?
Yes, you can! After mixing everything together, simply heat the Creamy Horchata Latte gently in a saucepan, stirring to keep it smooth. Serve it in your favorite mug with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Taste as you go! Add a little more condensed milk or sugar if you like it sweeter, or use less if you prefer a milder, more coffee-forward drink. The beauty of homemade is making it just right for you.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients for the number of guests you’re serving. Assemble in a large pitcher and keep it chilled, then pour over ice as friends arrive. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Creamy Horchata Latte before, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. It’s a drink that brings together comfort, indulgence, and a touch of excitement in every sip. Give it a try — you’ll be surprised just how easy and delightful it is to make at home!
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Creamy Horchata Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 4 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including soaking)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy horchata latte blends the traditional Mexican rice milk drink with rich espresso to create a refreshing and smooth iced beverage perfect for any time of day. Made with simple ingredients including soaked rice, milk, espresso, and warm spices, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice with a velvety texture.
Ingredients
Horchata Base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or almond)
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Flavorings & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and Blend Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a high-powered blender and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice pieces are broken down but not completely smooth.
- Soak the Mixture: Transfer the blended rice-water mixture to a bowl or pitcher and let it sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop and soften the rice.
- Strain the Rice Milk: Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the soaked rice mixture into a large pitcher, pressing gently to extract the liquid. Discard the remaining rice solids.
- Add Milk and Flavorings: Stir in the milk (dairy or almond), brewed espresso or strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the strained horchata mixture. Mix well until the drink is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your horchata latte and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon level if desired by adding more condensed milk or cinnamon.
- Serve: Pour the horchata latte over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For an iced version, use cold brew coffee instead of hot espresso to keep the drink refreshingly cold.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute almond milk and sweeten with maple syrup or sugar instead of condensed milk.
- For a frappé-style texture, blend the drink with ice cubes until smooth and frothy.
- Store any leftover horchata latte in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approximately 12 oz)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
