Dirty Horchata {Authentic Mexican Drink}

Dirty horchata is a shot of cold brew added to creamy, sweet horchata. Horchata is a traditional refreshing Mexican drink made from rice, milk and almonds. Richly flavored with vanilla, sugar and cinnamon sticks. This easy-to-make sip is so luxurious with your morning coffee. And a perfect pair with spicy foods in the summer!

Looking to level up your morning coffee? Have I got something good for you, friend!

This deliciously creamy, cool horchata is easily made with a combination of white rice, sliced almonds, cinnamon sticks, evaporated milk and water. Once prepared, it is double-strained, spiced up with vanilla, sprinkled with sugar, and cooled until ready to enjoy. Easy, elegant and oh-so impressive!

Horchata makes a luscious addition to hot or iced coffee, espresso, or latte, and is wonderful whipped into cocktails and cappuccinos. It is, of course, delicious and decadent tasting on its own. Kids love this one! You can even use it as a substitute for milk in French toast, tres leches cake, and so many more recipes.

Curious about how to make your own Mexican horchata? Let’s get into it!


Ready to make your own Dirty Horchata?

• In a large bowl, combine rice, almonds and cinnamon sticks.

• Cover with warm water and let soak for 5 hours, or overnight, until rice and cinnamon sticks have softened.

• Strain and discard water from rice mixture. Pour mixture into a blender. Add evaporated milk, cover and blend on high. The mixture should be thick and smooth.

• Push mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, into a pitcher. Stir in water, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla. Stir to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate to chill, at least 30 minutes.

To serve:

• Divide horchata among ice-filled glasses and top with cold brew concentrate, to taste (about 2 to 3 tablespoons cold brew for each cup of horchata).

• Enjoy!

Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe, below

What dinner recipes can I serve Dirty Horchata with?

Mexican Grilled Steak Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Chili-Garlic Roasted Chicken with Potatoes & Carrots

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

One-Pot Cheesy Vegetarian Chili Mac ‘n Cheese

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Chicken Enchiladas

What breakfast + brunch recipes pair with Dirty Horchata?

Banana Coffee Cake

4-Ingredient Cinnamon Twist Wreath

Bacon + Eggs Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

3-Ingredient Beignet Bites

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast

Not only did we love this sweet cinnamon drink with our coffees, but it came in handy for cooling down some spicy dinners! Horchata seems to have been MADE with pair perfectly with zesty dishes like enchiladas, tortilla soup, tacos, burritos, and spicy grilled meats. Or, enjoy yours beside a warm fire. A frosty pitcher of fresh horchata is perfect for anytime of year.

I hope you enjoy this cozy drink, made with love from my kitchen to yours.

Please leave a star rating and review of this recipe, if you tried it at home. I would love to hear how it turned out for you!

Dirty Horchata

Dirty Horchata

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 12 oz. (1 can) evaporated milk
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

For serving:

  • Ice cubes
  • 1 cup cold brew concentrate

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine rice, almonds and cinnamon sticks. Cover with warm water and let soak for 5hours, or overnight, until rice and cinnamon sticks have softened.
  2. Strain and discard water from rice mixture. Pour mixture into a blender. Add evaporated milk, cover and blend on high. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
  3. Push mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, into a pitcher. Stir in water, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla. Stir to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate to chill, at least 30 minutes.

To serve:

  1. Divide horchata among ice-filled glasses and top with cold brew concentrate, to taste (about 2 to 3 tablespoons cold brew for each cup of horchata).
  2. Enjoy!

Notes

The horchata is best consumed the day it's made, but will keep up to 2 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Stir vigorously before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Want to receive our latest recipes straight to your email inbox? Click here to subscribe!

Join the Conversation

  1. This was super smooth & delicious in my coffee!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close
The Comfort of Cooking © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Skip to Recipe