Description
A quick, creamy, and naturally gluten-free iced latte that combines traditional horchata flavors with cold brew or espresso. Ready in just 5 minutes of active time, this budget-friendly drink is perfect for mornings or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup white rice (short-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups water (for soaking)
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 1/2 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds scraped
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk (oat milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (or 2 espresso shots)
- Cinnamon powder (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Rinse 1/2 cup white rice under cold water until clear. Place in a jar with 2 cups water, the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean (seeds and pod), and sugar.
- Cover and soak in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. (Alternatively, boil rice in water for 10 minutes and cool completely if short on time).
- Pour the soaked rice, water, cinnamon stick, and vanilla into a blender. Add the milk.
- Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is milky, smooth, and the rice is pulverized.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. For extra smoothness, strain again through a nut milk bag.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the horchata base into the glass, followed by 1/2 cup of cold brew coffee or espresso.
- Stir gently to combine layers. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Dust the top with cinnamon powder and garnish with remaining vanilla pod or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Soaking the rice overnight yields the creamiest texture. If you are in a rush, boiling the rice for 10 minutes is a viable alternative. The horchata base can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the base and coffee separate until serving to prevent dilution from melting ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 4 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: horchata latte, iced coffee, cold brew recipe, gluten-free drink, dairy-free latte, easy morning drink, cinnamon vanilla coffee