Tierra Mia Horchata Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Tierra Mia Horchata Latte Recipe

Let’s break down what you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses accessible ingredients, but when combined just right, the result is chef’s kiss.

For The Horchata Base

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) – This is the creamy foundation.
• 1 ½ cups water – For soaking the rice.
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk is rich, but you can swap with oat, almond, or evaporated milk for different textures.
• 1 stick cinnamon or 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The warm, nostalgic flavor that defines horchata.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Just a splash for aromatic depth.
• ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste) – Traditional horchata is sweet, but you can scale back.
• Pinch of salt – This makes the sweetness and cinnamon pop.

☕ For The Latte Portion

• 1-2 shots of espresso – The bold punch that balances the sweetness.
• Optional: ice cubes (if you want it iced)

How To Make Tierra Mia Horchata Latte?

Here comes the fun part-blending, brewing, and sipping! This process has two main steps: making the horchata, and then combining it with espresso.

Step 1: Make The Horchata Base

This is the heart of the drink. It takes a little time, but it’s so worth it.

1. Soak The Rice And Cinnamon

   • Rinse the rice, then combine it with 1 ½ cups of water and your cinnamon stick in a bowl or blender jar.
   • Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight.

2. Blend And Strain

   • Remove the cinnamon stick if using whole cinnamon, then blend the rice mixture until smooth.
   • Add milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend again briefly to combine.
   • Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher. This removes any gritty texture and gives that smooth, creamy finish.

3. Chill Or Warm

   • If you want an iced horchata latte, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before use.
   • For a hot version, gently heat the horchata on the stovetop (don’t boil!).

Step 2: Pull The Espresso

Use your espresso machine, moka pot, or strong brewed coffee as a substitute if needed.

• Brew 1 to 2 shots of espresso. You want it strong and aromatic to cut through the creamy horchata.
• Optional: Sweeten the espresso with a tiny pinch of brown sugar or cinnamon syrup if you want to level up the flavor fusion.

Step 3: Assemble The Latte

Time to bring it all together!

• For iced: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in ¾ cup of horchata, and top with your espresso shot(s). Stir and enjoy!
• For hot: Warm the horchata gently, pour into your favorite mug, and add espresso over top. Optional: froth the horchata before pouring for café vibes.

Expert Tips

Want your homemade Tierra Mia-style horchata latte to taste next-level amazing? Here’s how to elevate your game:

• Use freshly ground cinnamon if you can-it’s warmer, richer, and way more aromatic.
• Don’t skip the straining step-unfiltered horchata can taste gritty and chalky.
• Chill the horchata well before making an iced version. It enhances the flavor and prevents it from getting watered down too fast.
• Try espresso ice cubes if you’re going iced-freeze leftover espresso so your drink never gets diluted.
• Oat milk substitution gives a creamier, nuttier flavor profile and blends beautifully with the cinnamon and espresso.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking-Tierra Mia’s version is pretty sweet, but you can totally customize it.

Recipe Variations

Let’s say you want to put your own twist on things (and why not?). Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegan Horchata Latte: Swap out dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use maple syrup or agave instead of sugar.
• Horchata Cold Brew Latte: Replace the espresso with cold brew concentrate for a smoother, low-acid version.
• Spicy Mocha Horchata: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. Trust me-it’s indulgent and unexpected.
• Pumpkin Spice Horchata Latte: Mix in a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in the fall. Perfect for sweater weather.
• Horchata Matcha Latte: Skip the coffee and use matcha green tea powder for a softer, earthier vibe.

Final Words

There’s something about horchata that feels like a hug in a glass-nostalgic, comforting, and delicious. Add espresso to that, and you’ve got a drink that fuels both your energy and your soul. Making a Tierra Mia-style Horchata Latte at home isn’t just about satisfying a craving-it’s about bringing a bit of culture, warmth, and handcrafted care into your daily ritual.

Plus, once you’ve nailed this recipe, you’ll basically be the café hero of your friend group. Just sayin’.

FAQs

What Is A Tierra Mia Horchata Latte?

A Tierra Mia Horchata Latte is a signature drink from Tierra Mia Coffee, blending traditional Mexican horchata-a sweet rice milk beverage flavored with cinnamon and vanilla-with rich espresso to create a creamy, spiced coffee latte.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make A Tierra Mia-style Horchata Latte At Home?

To make a Tierra Mia-style Horchata Latte, you’ll need uncooked white rice, water, cinnamon sticks, sugar, vanilla extract, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee.

How Do You Prepare Homemade Horchata For The Latte?

Soak 1 cup of uncooked white rice with 2 cinnamon sticks in 4 cups of water overnight. The next day, blend the mixture until smooth, strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, then sweeten with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Chill before using.

What Type Of Coffee Works Best For This Recipe?

Espresso is ideal for an authentic Tierra Mia Horchata Latte, but strong brewed coffee or concentrated cold brew can also work if espresso is unavailable.

Can I Use Store-bought Horchata Instead Of Homemade?

Yes, store-bought horchata can be used for convenience, but making it from scratch allows for better control of sweetness and spice, and more closely replicates the Tierra Mia flavor.

How Do You Combine The Horchata And Espresso To Make The Latte?

Fill a glass or mug halfway with chilled or steamed horchata, then add one or two shots of espresso. Stir gently to combine. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Can The Horchata Latte Be Served Iced Or Hot?

Yes, the Tierra Mia Horchata Latte can be enjoyed both iced and hot. For an iced version, use cold horchata and pour espresso over ice. For a hot version, warm the horchata before mixing with espresso.

Is The Tierra Mia Horchata Latte Vegan Or Dairy-free?

The traditional version may include dairy milk, but it can easily be made vegan by using plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy in the horchata and omitting any dairy-based ingredients.

How Sweet Is The Horchata Latte, And Can I Adjust The Sweetness?

The Tierra Mia Horchata Latte is naturally sweet due to the horchata base. You can adjust the sugar content when making homemade horchata or by selecting a less sweet store-bought version to suit your taste.

How Long Does Homemade Horchata Last In The Fridge?

Homemade horchata typically lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Shake well before each use, as ingredients may separate over time.