Horchata

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 5 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup white sugar

Directions

1. Pour the rice and water into the bowl of a blender; blend until the rice and cinnamon just begin to break up, about 1 minute. Let rice, cinnamon, and water stand at room temperature for a minimum of 3 hours.
2. Strain the rice water into a pitcher and discard the rice/cinnamon sticks. Stir the milk, vanilla, and sugar into the rice water. Chill and stir before serving over ice.

For a creamier horchata: Reduce the water to 4 cups and increase the evaporated milk to 1 1/2 cups (12 oz., or 1 can).