Name: Chocolate Horchata
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice; 4 cups hot water; 1 large cinnamon stick; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cup Mexican style instant hot chocolate mix (such as Abuelita); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk; 4 cups whole milk

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Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Jo

CHOCOLATE HORCHATA – Creamy chocolate horchata made with rice, cinnamon, and rich Mexican chocolate—perfectly sweet, refreshing, and served ice-cold for a delicious treat.

If you love classic horchata, this chocolatey twist is going to be your new favorite treat. It’s creamy, perfectly sweet, and infused with warm cinnamon and rich Mexican chocolate for a drink that feels both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it over ice on a warm day or alongside your favorite dessert, this homemade chocolate horchata is simple to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

White rice
Hot water
Cinnamon stick
Sliced almonds
Granulated sugar
Mexican style instant hot chocolate mix (such as Abuelita)
Vanilla extract
Sweetened condensed milk
Evaporated milk
Whole milk

Supplies you’ll need

Essentail

Medium colander (for rinsing rice)
Medium mixing bowl (for soaking)
Blender (high-speed works best)
Fine-mesh strainer
Large pitcher
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Optional but handy

Spatula (to press and extract more liquid while straining)
Nut milk bag or cheesecloth (for extra-smooth horchata)
Large spoon or ladle (for easier pouring and mixing)
Funnel (helps transfer liquid neatly into the pitcher)

What to serve with Chocolate Horchata

Brunch spread: Serve it alongside fluffy pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Add fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas on the side to balance the richness and bring a fresh, bright contrast to the creamy horchata.

Alongside savory dishes: This drink is surprisingly delicious with Mexican-inspired dishes like breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, or tamales. The sweetness of the horchata complements spicy or savory flavors and helps mellow any heat.

Perfectly paired desserts: Freshly made churros or soft snickerdoodle cookies echo the cinnamon in the drink and make every sip feel extra indulgent. Brownies, chocolate cake, or even a slice of tres leches would be a delicious choice. The creamy texture of the horchata enhances rich desserts without feeling too heavy.

Garnishes: Rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate on top, or drop in a cinnamon stick for a pretty (and flavorful) finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Give it time to soak (it really matters!): The longer you soak the rice, the better the flavor and texture. I highly recommend overnight if you can—it creates a smoother, more authentic horchata with deeper cinnamon notes.

Blend thoroughly for the creamiest texture: Don’t rush the blending step. Let it run long enough to fully break down the rice and almonds—this is key to getting that rich, creamy consistency before straining.

Strain twice for extra smoothness: For the best texture, strain your horchata a second time or use a nut milk bag. This extra step removes any grit and gives you that silky, café-style finish.

Taste and adjust the sweetness: Everyone’s preference is a little different, so give it a taste before chilling. You can easily add a bit more sugar or milk to make it just right for you.

Stir before serving: Horchata naturally settles as it sits in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before pouring over ice to bring everything back together and keep it nice and creamy.

I hope you love this chocolate horchata as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels a little extra special but is so simple to make at home. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think or how you made it your own! Feel free to leave a comment or share it with someone who could use a sweet, refreshing treat.

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Strawberry Horchata: A creamy twist on classic horchata made with rice, cinnamon, and sweet strawberries for a refreshing, fruity spin on the traditional drink.

Horchata: A smooth and refreshing Mexican-style rice drink infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfectly sweetened and served over ice.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix: A rich, chocolatey dry mix you can keep on hand for instantly making cozy, creamy hot cocoa anytime you crave it.