Ube Horchata Recipe

Introduction

Ube horchata is a delightful twist on the classic Mexican rice drink, infused with the vibrant flavor of ube. This creamy, sweet beverage combines fragrant rice, cinnamon, and purple yam extract for a refreshing treat perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup almonds
• 4 cups water (for soaking)
• 1 can evaporated milk (for blending)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp ube extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓–½ cup condensed milk (adjust to preference)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the white rice, almonds, and cinnamon sticks in 4 cups of water for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until softened.
2. Step 2: Strain the soaked ingredients, discarding the soaking water.
3. Step 3: In a blender, combine the soaked rice, almonds, and cinnamon sticks with the evaporated milk. Blend until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with a spatula to extract all the liquid.
5. Step 5: Stir in the 4 cups of water, ube extract, vanilla extract, and condensed milk until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the horchata for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled over ice.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer texture, substitute half of the evaporated milk with coconut milk.
• Adjust the amount of condensed milk to suit your desired sweetness level.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon when blending.
• Use soaked cashews instead of almonds for a creamier base.

Storage

Store leftover ube horchata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, and serve chilled or over ice. Do not freeze, as it may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make ube horchata vegan?

Yes, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk, and use a vegan sweetener instead of condensed milk.

What if I can’t find ube extract?

You can use ube halaya (purple yam jam) blended with a little milk as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Ube Horchata Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 426 reviews

Ube Horchata is a vibrant twist on the traditional Mexican beverage, blending creamy evaporated milk, fragrant cinnamon, almonds, and the unique purple flavor of ube extract. This refreshing drink is perfect for a sweet treat, served chilled over ice with a hint of vanilla and sweetness adjusted to your liking.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 6+ hours soaking)
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (including soaking and chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican Filipino Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soaking Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup almonds
• 4 cup water (for soaking)

Blending and Mixing Ingredients

• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 4 cup water
• 1 tbsp ube extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓–½ cup condensed milk (adjust to preference)

Instructions

1. Soak the Ingredients: Combine the uncooked white rice, almonds, and cinnamon sticks in a bowl with 4 cups of water. Soak for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to soften the rice and cinnamon sticks thoroughly.
2. Strain Soaking Liquid: After soaking, pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the water. Discard the soaking water as it contains impurities and will not be used later.
3. Blend the Soaked Ingredients: Place the soaked rice, almonds, and cinnamon sticks into a blender. Add the entire can of evaporated milk and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Strain the Blended Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Use a spatula to press and extract as much liquid as possible for a smooth horchata base.
5. Mix Additional Ingredients: Add 4 cups of water, ube extract, vanilla extract, and condensed milk to the strained liquid. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the ube horchata for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled over ice for a refreshing drink.

Notes

• Adjust the condensed milk quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
• The longer soaking improves softness and flavor extraction, so soaking overnight is recommended.
• For a smoother texture, blend for at least 1-2 minutes until no graininess remains.
• Serve over ice to enjoy the beverage cold and refreshing.
• Ube extract gives this horchata its signature purple color and unique flavor; ensure you use a high-quality extract for best results.

Keywords: Ube Horchata, Ube Drink, Horchata Recipe, Filipino Horchata, Purple Rice Drink, Evaporated Milk Beverage