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Horchata (or agua de horchata) is a traditional Guatemalan drink made with rice, water, and milk. Guatemalan horchata is a bit different than Mexican horchata in that it usually contains toasted seeds giving it a unique flavor. This sweet, creamy, and refreshing beverage makes it ideal for enjoying on a hot spring or summer day. This delicious and easy Guatemalan rice drink recipe is easy to make; I hope drinking it brings you as much joy as it does me.
Horchata: A Refreshing Guatemalan Rice Milk Beverage
Growing up in Guatemala, I fondly remember sipping on a cold glass of horchata on a hot summer day. This traditional drink, made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, was always my favorite, especially at kids’ birthday celebrations or piñatas. And to this day, when I drink this rice drink, I am transported back to those days of chiquiadores and barquillos at parties after breaking the piñata.
Horchata is the perfect drink to accompany traditional Guatemalan recipes like enchiladas, tostadas or chiles rellenos. And makes the perfect pairing for delicious Guatemalan desserts like rellenitos de plátano, buñuelos and bocado de reina. I personally love having a glass of agua de horchata along with Guatemalan cookies like champurradas.
Aside from its taste, I also love the cultural significance of horchata. It’s a drink people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy in Guatemala. So, having a tall glass of this refreshing rice drink is also about connecting with my heritage and enjoying a beverage deeply rooted in my culture.
As an adult now living in a different country, I still enjoy horchata and its sweet, nostalgic taste. Every time I drink it, I am transported back to my childhood and all my happy memories of growing up in Guatemala. Whether making it at home with my kids or ordering it at a restaurant, horchata will always hold a special place in my heart and bring a smile to my face.
What is Horchata?
Horchata is a sweet and creamy drink that originated in Spain and is popular in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Guatemala. It is typically made by blending rice, cinnamon, and other spices with water, straining the mixture, and adding sweeteners such as sugar, cinnamon, or vanilla extract.
The resulting drink is sweet, creamy, and slightly cinnamon-flavored, often served over ice. Some variations also include ingredients like almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut. It is a refreshing rice drink that you can enjoy both as a dessert and as a beverage.
What Are The Ingredients for Making Horchata?
Since this refreshing rice drink is very popular in many countries in Latin America and Spain, there are many different versions. However, the Guatemalan horchata is unique because it usually includes roasted Pepitoria (pumpkin seeds). This gives this traditional Guatemalan drink a unique and distinctive taste.
The ingredients for Guatemalan horchata include:
- Rice
- Cinnamon sticks
- Almonds
- Toasted Pepitoria (pumpkin seeds)
- Sugar
- Water
You blend together all the ingredients to form a creamy and sweet drink typically served chilled. Some variations may also include vanilla, cloves, or nutmeg. And other versions of this traditional Guatemalan rice drink recipe include toasted sesame seeds.
How Do You Make Horchata?
One of my favorite things about this easy rice beverage recipe is the process of making it. My nana would soak the rice and cinnamon overnight, blend it with water, and then strain it to the perfect consistency. She would then add sweeteners like sugar or honey and sometimes a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. I now love making this at home with my kids so they can enjoy a cold glass of horchata when the weather gets really hot.
History and Origin of the Horchata Drink
Horchata is a traditional drink with a long history that dates back to ancient times. The exact origin is unclear, but historians believe it originated in either the Egyptian or Moorish civilizations.
The Moors introduced the drink to Spain during the 8th century, and quickly became a popular beverage throughout the country. In Spain, horchata was made from ground tiger nuts and sweetened with sugar.
As Spanish colonial rule expanded to the Americas, this delicious rice drink was introduced to new regions and adapted to local ingredients and tastes. For example, in Mexico, horchata was made with rice, while in Central America and the Caribbean, ingredients like almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut were used to make the drink.
Today, horchata is popular in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Puerto Rico. This invigorating rice drink is often enjoyed as a sweet and refreshing beverage during the hot summer months, but it is also served year-round as a dessert or snack.
The Best Guatemalan Horchata Recipe
Ok, so I might be a little biased, but I think this is the best recipe ever. Maybe it’s because it’s my family’s secret formula, and I have many fond memories attached to it. On the other hand, perhaps it’s just the best one! Try and decide for yourself.
Ingredients for Agua de Horchata:
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1/4 cup lightly toasted pumpkin seeds (Pepitoria)
- 1/2 cup of almonds
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- Cinnamon powder
Instructions for Making Horchata Rice Drink:
- Rinse the rice and place it in a blender or food processor along with the Pepitoria (toasted pumpkin seeds) and almonds.
- Add 2 cups of water and blend until the rice is finely ground.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining 2 cups of water, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another large bowl.
- Discard the solids and add the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir well.
- Chill the agua de horchata for at least 2 hours or until it’s cold.
- Serve over ice, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
More Traditional Guatemalan Food You’ll Love
Have you ever tried Guatemalan cuisine? It’s a delightful combination of Mayan and Spanish flavors, resulting in a one-of-a-kind taste experience. From the savory tamales Colorados to the comforting Kak’ik stew and sweet rellenitos, your taste buds are in for a real treat. But, trust me, you won’t resist whipping up some of these recipes at home. So, let’s get our aprons on and get cooking!
Tamales Colorados:
Based on my grandmother’s recipe, these Guatemalan tamales are made with corn masa and filled with either chicken or pork. I’ve perfected the recipe with some personal touches and included easy step-by-step instructions to enjoy them at home.
Subanik Recipe: A Delicious Stew From Guatemala:
For a comforting and flavorful Guatemalan meal, try Subanik. This hearty dish is made with a mixture of three types of meat. And a rich sauce featuring a tomato base and various chili peppers, making it a perfect option for a chilly day.
Guatemalan Pepián De Pollo:
Pepián is a flavorful Guatemalan chicken stew that’s bursting with roasted spices. It can be made with chicken, beef, or pork and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with toasted seeds and peppers.
Best Recipe For Agua De Tamarindo: A Guatemalan Tamarind Drink
Why settle for boring drinks when you can experience the bold and vibrant taste of Agua de Tamarindo? Get ready for a burst of tropical goodness with this Guatemalan drink! This beloved beverage is a tangy-sweet delight made from tamarind fruit pulp. Perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day, this refreshing drink will leave you craving more!
Kak’ik: A Comforting Guatemalan Turkey Soup
Kakik is a traditional Guatemalan soup that’ll surely warm your heart and soul! This Guatemalan dish is full of flavor and nutritious ingredients, with its juicy turkey, warming spices, and fresh veggies.
Rellenitos de Plátano:
Tasty ripe plantains filled with beans and covered in sugar. Although the combination might seem strange, this sweet plantain recipe is one of the most delicious Guatemalan foods.
Rosa de Jamaica:
Whether you’re a fan of fruity drinks or just looking for something refreshing for summer, Rosa de Jamaica is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the unique flavors of Guatemala. Known for its vibrant red color and tangy taste, this Hibiscus tea is often served with a hint of lime and a touch of sugar, making it the perfect beverage to cool down on a hot day or to complement a meal.
Buñuelos:
Try these delicious bits of fried wheat-based dough, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Guatemalan buñuelos are covered in powdered sugar and served in light syrup with a hint of anise.
Easy Recipe for Guatemalan Horchata
A refreshing rice-based drink perfect for a hot day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1/4 cup slightly toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitoria)
- 1/2 cup of almonds
- 4 cups of water
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- a pinch of salt
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- Ground Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and place it in a blender or food processor along with the Pepitoria (toasted pumpkin seeds) and almonds.
- Add two cups of water and blend until the rice is finely ground.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining 2 cups of water, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another large bowl.
- Discard the solids and add the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir well.
- Chill the horchata for at least 2 hours or until it's cold.
- Serve the horchata over ice, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 6.4gSaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 36.3gFiber: 1.4gSugar: 15.6gProtein: 6g
This recipe uses estimated serving sizes based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet. Values may vary depending on ingredients, brands, serving packages, or other nutritional factors.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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one of Guatemala’s most refreshing drink! thanks for sharing the recipe, I never knew it had pepitoria in it! it did the trick!