Does horchata go bad?

In this article, we will answer the question “Does horchata go bad?”, how long does horchata last, what does horchata taste like, what is Rumchata, and how to make horchata. 

Does horchata go bad?

Yes, horchata goes bad due to the presence of perishable ingredients. The heavy cream and/or milk added in horchata does not last more than 8-10 days. 

This only applies if the storage conditions are ideal. The sour smell of the horchata is a very reliable way to tell that the horchata has gone bad. More on horchata in the article below. 

How long does horchata last? 

If stored at a steady refrigeration temperature, horchata will last 8-10 days. But it is best consumed within 4 days of its making. Store the horchata in an air-tight container to make it last longer.

What does horchata taste like? 

Horchata has a thick creamy consistency and the taste is reminiscent of rice pudding with notes of cinnamon and vanilla. This sweet beverage is quick-to-make and does a great job at both filling you up and curbing your cravings. 

It is a great choice for festive times during fall or summer when all you need is a refreshing drink. Some people like to add nuts like cashews or almonds to their horchata for a chunky texture.

How to make horchata? 

Recipe 1: Ingredients 

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 5 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk* see notes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  1. Blend the rice, water, and cinnamon in a food processor. Make sure the blend is smooth and homogeneous. 
  1. Leave the mixture in the blender or transfer it to a pitcher. Let it infuse for at least 8 hours or overnight. 
  1. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this purpose. 
  1. Last but not least, mix the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla into the rice mixture.
  1. Serve right away over ice or wait and let the horchata chill in the fridge.

Variations 

You can also use whole or low-fat dairy or whole-fat milk. Make this recipe organic by using maple syrup or agave as the sweetener. Moreover, adding a teaspoon or two of ground coffee powder adds depth to the flavor. 

You can also mix in some rum if you like. Instead of sweetened condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk. Coconut water is one interesting choice for making vegan horchata. The coconut water lends a sweet and subtle aroma of coconut to the drink.

Notes 

  1. Using a higher powered blender ensures that you get a smooth mixture. The smaller the particle size, the better the cinnamon infuses.
  1. Your best bet is to use cheesecloth as it filters everything but a fine mesh strainer also works.
  1. If you have a sweet taste, go ahead and stir in a whole 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
  1. Cinnamon sticks and/or ground cinnamon sprinkled on top make for a great topping.
  1. You need to let the flavors merge and steep for at least 8 hours. 

Nutrition facts 

Calories 336 kcal
Carbohydrates 41 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 17 g
Saturated fat 11 g
Cholesterol 63 mg 
Sodium 59 mg 
Potassium 160 mg 
Fiber 1 g 
Sugar 14 g 
Vitamin A 651 IU
Vitamin C 1 mg 
Calcium 124 mg
Iron 1 mg 

Recipe 2: Ingredients 

  • 2 cups long-grain or extra long-grain white rice
  • 1 cinnamon stick, preferably Ceylon (Ceylon cinnamon breaks or crumbles easily as compared to cassia cinnamon. However, you can always use ground cinnamon as an alternative).
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water
  • 4 cups whole or low-fat milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Ice, for serving
  • Ground cinnamon, for serving (optional)

Instructions 

  1. Soak the rice in hot water. Mix it with some crushed cinnamon sticks. Leave it for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. 
  1. Take half of the rice mixture and blend it with half of the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Strain using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth into a pitcher. Repeat the same process with the remaining ingredients. 
  1. Serve right away over ice or wait and let the horchata chill in the fridge. Drink within 5 days for the best taste. 

What is Rumchata? 

Rumchata is a cream liqueur made up of Caribbean rum (13.75% ABV), dairy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. A 1 1/2-ounce shot of Rumchata offers 136 calories and features a sweet, spicy, and creamy taste profile. Rumchata can be mixed with cocktails or shots and is served chilled.

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question “Does horchata go bad?”, how long does horchata last, what does horchata taste like, what is Rumchata, and how to make horchata. 

References 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/horchata-cinnamon-and-vanilla/17176/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/horchata-cinnamon-and-vanilla/17176/
https://www.thespruceeats.com/rumchata-cream-liqueur-overview-760261

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