Horchata Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Horchata Latte Recipe

Before we jump into the “how”, let’s talk ingredients. And don’t worry-it might look like a lot, but it’s mostly pantry staples. Plus, once you’ve made homemade horchata once, I promise you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times.

For The Homemade Horchata

• 1 Cup Long-grain White Rice

  (Uncooked; this is the base. Basmati or jasmine can work too, but traditional Mexican-style rice is ideal.)

• 2 cups water (for soaking)

• 1-2 Cinnamon Sticks

  (Don’t skimp here-this is the signature flavor!)

• 2 Cups Almond Milk Or Oat Milk

  (Or any non-dairy milk. You can use regular milk, but dairy-free gives that authentic horchata vibe.)

• 1-2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup Or Agave Nectar

  (Adjust for sweetness; you can also use granulated sugar or brown sugar.)

• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

  (Adds warmth and depth.)

• Pinch Of Sea Salt

  (Balances the sweetness perfectly.)

For The Latte

• 1-2 Shots Espresso

  (Or about ½ cup strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.)

• ¾ cup horchata (from above recipe)

• Ground Cinnamon, For Topping

  (Optional, but highly encouraged for ✨aesthetic✨ and taste.)

• Ice (for iced version)

How To Make Horchata Latte?

Okay, now for the fun part-making your dreamy, creamy Horchata Latte! You can batch the horchata ahead of time, so it’s just a matter of assembling when the craving strikes. Let’s break it down:

✨ Step-by-Step Instructions

Make The Horchata Base (Do This Ahead!)

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
• In a blender, add the rice, cinnamon sticks (broken up a bit), and 2 cups of water. Blend for about 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly broken down.
• Let this mixture sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to infuse the cinnamon into the rice water. (Yes, your fridge will smell amazing.)
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Discard the solids.
• Stir in your almond/oat milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Brew Your Coffee Or Espresso

• Make a strong espresso shot or coffee. Pro tip: Use a dark roast or espresso blend to cut through the sweetness of the horchata.
• You can use a stovetop moka pot, espresso machine, or even instant espresso powder in a pinch.

Assemble The Latte

• For Hot Horchata Latte

  Heat your horchata gently in a saucepan or milk frother. Do not boil-it can separate. Pour into your mug, then add your espresso. Stir and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• For Iced Horchata Latte

  Fill a glass with ice, pour in your chilled horchata, add your shot(s) of espresso, and stir. Top with cinnamon or even a cinnamon stick for stirring-adorable and practical.

Expert Tips

Let’s make your Horchata Latte not just good-but spectacular:

• Soak it Overnight: Letting the rice and cinnamon steep overnight pulls out max flavor. Don’t rush it.
• Double Strain: If your horchata feels gritty, strain it twice or use a nut milk bag for extra smoothness.
• Make Horchata Ice Cubes: Freeze some of your horchata into cubes so your iced latte never gets watered down!
• Use Barista Blend Milks: These are specially formulated to froth better for hot lattes. Worth it.
• Sweeten to Your Taste: The beauty here is flexibility. Want it indulgent? Add sweetened condensed milk or brown sugar cinnamon syrup.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Let’s remix the classic with some fun spins:

• Dirty Horchata: Add two shots of espresso instead of one. Bold and beautiful.
• Horchata Cold Brew Latte: Use cold brew instead of espresso for a mellow, smoother caffeine kick.
• Mocha Horchata Latte: Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the horchata for a spiced chocolatey twist.
• Spiked Horchata Latte (Adults only): Add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or rum for a grown-up treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Horchata Latte: Oh yes, it’s basic season. Mix in 1 tbsp pumpkin purée and a pinch of pumpkin spice during heating.
• Vanilla Chai Horchata Latte: Add a bit of chai concentrate or chai spice to the horchata before mixing with coffee.

Final Words

Look, I’ll just say it: this Horchata Latte is a vibe. It’s cozy yet refreshing, sweet but balanced, and totally customizable depending on your mood or the season. Whether you’re curled up under a blanket bingeing a new show, or sipping it on your patio during a hot afternoon, this drink delivers every time.

And the best part? You made it yourself. From scratch. With love. That’s something special. It’s not just a latte-it’s a ritual, a little self-care moment in a mug (or glass).

FAQs

What Is A Horchata Latte?

A horchata latte is a fusion of the traditional Mexican drink horchata, made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, combined with espresso or coffee to create a creamy, spiced coffee beverage. The result is a sweet and smooth latte with a distinct cinnamon flavor.

How Do You Make Horchata For A Horchata Latte?

To make horchata, blend soaked rice, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and vanilla with water. After blending, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids, resulting in a creamy rice-milk base that can be used in your latte.

Can I Use Store-bought Horchata For A Horchata Latte?

Yes, you can use store-bought horchata if you’re looking for a quicker option. Just be sure to choose a high-quality horchata that has the right balance of sweetness and cinnamon flavor to complement your espresso.

What Kind Of Milk Is Best For A Horchata Latte?

While traditional horchata uses rice milk, for a horchata latte, you can use any type of milk based on your preference. Common choices include dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Each type will add a different flavor and texture.

Can I Make A Horchata Latte Without Espresso?

Yes, you can replace espresso with brewed coffee or cold brew for a similar flavor profile. However, using espresso is preferred for the rich, concentrated flavor that complements the sweetness of horchata.

Is Horchata Latte Sweetened?

Yes, horchata itself is sweetened with sugar, and when combined with the coffee or espresso, it creates a naturally sweet drink. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar or sweetener to the horchata base.

How Can I Make My Horchata Latte More Spiced?

To enhance the spice profile of your horchata latte, consider adding extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves to the horchata mix. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the finished latte for extra flavor.

Can I Make A Cold Horchata Latte?

Absolutely! For a cold horchata latte, prepare your horchata base as usual and let it cool. Pour over ice and then add chilled espresso or cold brew. Top with milk or a dairy-free alternative, and stir for a refreshing iced version.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Horchata Latte?

Yes, a dairy-free horchata latte is easy to make by using plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Ensure the horchata base is also dairy-free, as it is traditionally made with rice milk, which is naturally vegan.

How Do I Make A Vegan Horchata Latte?

To make a vegan horchata latte, use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk in both the horchata and the latte itself. Ensure that the horchata base does not contain any animal products such as dairy or honey.