Quench your thirst with this delightful Strawberry Horchata! This creamy, sweet, and fruity beverage combines the classic flavors of horchata with the bright, summery taste of strawberries. Perfect for hot days, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing treat, this drink is sure to be a hit. Get ready to enjoy a unique and delicious twist on a traditional favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and Creamy: A perfect blend of sweet rice milk, creamy condensed milk, and fruity strawberry puree.
- Unique Flavor: A delightful twist on traditional horchata with the addition of strawberries.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust sweetness and consistency to your liking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or a refreshing afternoon drink.

Ingredients
- Cinnamon Sticks: Adds a warm, aromatic spice.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides a sweet, fragrant flavor.
- Long-Grain Rice: Forms the base of the horchata.
- Hot Water: Used for soaking the rice and extracting its flavor.
- Strawberries: Adds a sweet, fruity flavor and vibrant color.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the strawberry puree.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Ice: Keeps the horchata cold and refreshing.
- Fresh Strawberries (for Garnish): Adds a beautiful touch and extra flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Strawberry Horchata
Step 1: Soak the Rice
Break cinnamon sticks and combine with vanilla extract, rice, and hot water in a container. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour into a container, cover, and refrigerate.
Step 3: Blend the Rice Mixture
After soaking, blend the rice mixture for 2-3 minutes on high speed.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a pitcher. Discard solids.
Step 5: Add Milk and Strawberry Puree
Add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and strawberry puree to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust sweetness and consistency with water, sugar, or milk. Fill the pitcher with ice and garnish with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Soak Rice Thoroughly: Ensure the rice soaks for at least 6 hours for optimal flavor extraction.
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and sweetness.
- Strain Carefully: Strain the rice mixture well to ensure a smooth texture.
- Chill Ingredients: Chill all ingredients before combining for a colder, more refreshing drink.
How to Serve Strawberry Horchata

- As a Refreshing Drink: Serve chilled on hot days.
- With Brunch: A perfect addition to brunch menus.
- As a Dessert Beverage: Enjoy as a sweet treat after meals.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh strawberries, a cinnamon stick, or a mint sprig.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover horchata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended as this drink is best served cold.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the horchata.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them slightly before blending.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! Add more or less sugar or sweetened condensed milk to your liking.
4. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can add other fruits like mango, pineapple, or berries for different flavor variations.
Print
Strawberry Horchata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Strawberry Horchata is a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic Mexican beverage. Creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced, this horchata combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the bright sweetness of strawberries. It’s a perfect summer drink to cool down and enjoy on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- Ice
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Soak Rice and Cinnamon: Break the cinnamon sticks into pieces and add them to a container with the vanilla extract, long-grain rice, and hot water. Stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- Prepare Strawberry Sauce: Add the strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a container, cover, and refrigerate until ready to finish preparing the horchata.
- Blend Rice Mixture: After the rice mixture has soaked for at least 6 hours, add it to a blender and blend for 2-3 minutes on high speed.
- Strain Rice Milk: Strain the blended rice mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
- Combine with Milks and Strawberry Sauce: Add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk to the pitcher. Stir in the strawberry puree.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust to your preferences by adding cold water, a little more sugar, or milk.
- Serve: When it tastes the way you like, fill the rest of the pitcher with ice and fresh strawberries. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality long-grain rice for the best flavor and texture.
- Soaking the rice and cinnamon overnight enhances the flavor.
- You can adjust the sweetness and thickness of the horchata by adding more or less milk or water.
- For a thicker horchata, you can add more rice or blend for a longer time.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg