Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (2024)

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This Horchata White Russian recipe is a lighter take on a traditional White Russian, simply swapping out the heavy cream for homemade horchata.

This post was originally published on 01/04/16 and updated on 12/7/18.Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (1)

I love this time of year, when the nights are chilly and all you want to do is settle in at home all cozy-like in your comfy sweats, fuzzy socks, and some sneaky co*cktails like this Horchata White Russian while tucking into a Netflix binge.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (2)

Now that’s my kind of party.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (3)

Make your Happy Hour the best on the block with this Horchata White Russian recipe!

This yummy co*cktail is a lighter take on the traditional White Russian, using the same ratio of vodka and Kahlua and swapping out the heavy cream for homemade horchata.

Skipping the dairy turns this normally SUPER rich drink into a more sensible splurge- perfect for all you folks out there with health and fitness minded resolutions 😉

In addition to the Horchata White Russian recipe, I’ve also included the recipe for homemade horchata that will make about 1 quart- enough for PLENTY of these co*cktails to go around, or save some leftover horchata to enjoy on its own because it’s really a treat in itself!

The horchata’s cinnamon flavor adds a welcoming warmth to this White Russian recipe. I like to sprinkle additional cinnamon on top for even more cinnamon-y goodness!

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (4)

Chef’s Tips for making the best light Horchata White Russian:

  • While you can buy horchata pre-made, I recommend you make it at home. It tastes so much better and you can control the amount of sugar going into your drink.
  • For a creamier horchata, stir in a bit of milk or, for a dairy-free version, coconut milk.
  • Stir a teaspoon of vanilla into your homemade horchata to round things out.

Variations on this White Russian recipe:

  • Swap the vodka out and use Irish whiskey for a St. Patrick’s Day version!
  • If you are not a fan of horchata, you could use half-and-half and make a regular White Russian. I would still recommend a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
  • Feeling rather cold today? Skip the ice cubes, heat up your horchata and serve these White Russians hot with whipped coconut cream on top.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (5)

Can I make Horchata with ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?

Yes, you can simply add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your horchata when you stir in the sugar. The flavor might not be quite as round, but it is definitely better than adding no cinnamon!

Which snacks go with these Horchata White Russians?

This Horchata co*cktail screams Cinco de Mayo Party and for an occasion like this, I would recommend serving it with some savory Mexican snacks such as my Butternut Squash Mole Nachosor, my Mexican Street Corn Cucumber Cups.

Pair this drink with my Vegan+Grain Free Tacos for a balanced, healthy-ish taco night!

For those of you, planning a serious Netflix binge, might I suggest a bowl of my sweet and spicyMexican Hot Chocolate Popcorn?

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (6)

If you make this Horchata White Russian recipe, be sure to post it on Instagram with the hashtag #LePetitEats so we can share a “virtual cheers”!

Photos by Lindsey Drews.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (7)

5 from 1 vote

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Horchata White Russian

Horchata White Russian is a lighter take on the traditional White Russian, simply swapping out the heavy cream for homemade horchata.

Course Drink

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword horchata co*cktail, skinny white Russian, white Russian recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 co*cktail

Calories 300 kcal

Author Denisse

Ingredients

  • ice cubes
  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces Kahlua or coffee liqueur
  • 3 ounces Horchata recipe follows
  • Ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice. Pour in vodka and Kahlua, then top with Horchata. Garnish with ground cinnamon.

Recipe Notes

  • While you can buy horchata pre-made, I recommend you make it at home. It tastes so much better and you can control the amount of sugar going into your drink.
  • For a creamier horchata, stir in a bit of milk or, for a dairy-free version, coconut milk.
  • Stir a teaspoon of vanilla into your homemade horchata to round things out.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (8)

5 from 1 vote

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Homemade Horchata

Make this delicious cinnamon-scented Mexican rice drink at home using my easy horchata recipe! Drink it as is or use it as a cream substitute in light co*cktails like my Horchata White Russian!

Course Drink

Cuisine Latinamerican, Mexican

Keyword authentic Mexican recipes, homemade horchata, horchata, rice drink

Prep Time 10 minutes

Resting time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings 1 quart

Calories 200 kcal

Author Denisse

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice rinsed
  • 1 cinnamon stick broken into pieces
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Add the rice and cinnamon stick to a blender. Add 2 cups of water and pulse to coarsely grind. Transfer to a large bowl and add another 2 cups water. Soak at room temperature for at least 3 hours.

  2. Puree the rice mixture in a blender in batches until smooth. Strain through cheesecloth into a container. Mix in the sugar; chill. Stir the horchata before serving.

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (9)
Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats (2024)

FAQs

Horchata White Russian Recipe (Light) | Le Petit Eats? ›

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.

How do you make horchata less chalky? ›

Expert Tips & Tricks
  1. Pulverizing the rice beforehand eliminates any chalky sediment that can result in a gritty taste. ...
  2. Rinse the rice before starting. ...
  3. Soak the rice. ...
  4. Strain the rice. ...
  5. Use simple syrup to sweeten the horchata to avoid any grittiness from the sugar. ...
  6. Sweeten to your liking.
Apr 21, 2021

What is La horchata made of? ›

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.

How to drink licor 43 horchata? ›

Add espresso to a tall serving glass and fill with ice. Pour over the Licor 43 Horchata and condensed milk and top with your choice of dairy-free milk. Shake cinnamon sugar on top and serve. Leave out the espresso for a lovely iced horchata.

Why does horchata get thick? ›

Starches are the main agent in Oaxacan, Valencian and other grain- and tuber-based horchatas. Free starch molecules will mix with and thicken water, but inside the plant parts that make starches, like grains of rice, the molecules are glued and laminated together into aggregates called starch granules.

How do you keep horchata from getting gritty? ›

Strain through a triple-layered cheese cloth AND a fine mesh strainer. This step is very important- you do not want a grainy horchata! Squeeze out all the liquid, then discard the remaining grains. Add the evaporated milk and condensed milk and stir well.

How to fix slimy horchata? ›

Why is my horchata slimy? If hot water is used instead of cool water to blend the rice mixture, the rice grains will start to swell and cook. As the mixture sits, the starches in the rice will gel up, giving it a slimy texture. Use room temperature or cold water when making horchata.

Does Licor 43 Horchata need to be refrigerated? ›

However, to preserve its quality, we recommend that you avoid exposing it to sunlight and temperatures above 30ºC. To enjoy the product at its best we recommend that you keep it refrigerated and consume it within six months of opening.

Does horchata liqueur need to be refrigerated? ›

It is recommended that cream liqueurs be stored in a cool place, but refrigeration is not necessary. Manufacturers of cream liqueurs point to the effective preservative qualities of alcohol as the reason that refrigeration is not required.

What is the alcoholic name for horchata? ›

Horchata, as a flavor, makes appearances in ice cream, cookies, and other sweets, and other products such as RumChata, an alcoholic tribute to the beverage.

What is the difference between horchata and dirty horchata? ›

Another yummy alternative milk option is horchata. It's one of the more well-known non-dairy options around! It's basically rice milk so it's something easily done at home. Paired with coffee, and you get what is called a Dirty Horchata (it's called 'dirty' because of the coffee color!)

Is Spanish or Mexican horchata better? ›

What it tastes like: Mexican horchata isn't as creamy as Spanish horchata (unless you add milk), and it can sometimes be a little gritty from the rice. However, it is usually much sweeter than Spanish horchata and has a strong cinnamon flavor.

What are the two types of horchata? ›

As a result, there are multiple different versions of horchata to be found in the region. Horchata de melon is made using ground melon seeds. In Puerto Rico, the primary version of horchata uses sesame seeds, spices, rice, almonds, evaporated milk, coconut milk, allspice, and rum.

How do you dilute horchata concentrate? ›

Directions note to use concentrate [1:7 ratio] so it is recommend to use 2 tablespoons [1 ounce] to 8 oz drink.

Why does my horchata taste sour? ›

Horchata that has gone bad will usually smell sour, similar to spoiled milk. Also, if you pour it and observe any clumps, chunks, or separated layers, these are clear signs that the horchata is no longer good. The taste, too, will be off, generally sour or rancid. Always store horchata in the refrigerator.

Does horchata dehydrate you? ›

The hydrating properties of the drink, along with the natural sugar, can help rehydrate the body and replenish electrolytes lost during alcohol consumption. Horchata made from Tiger nuts are rich in fibers which are known to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Why does horchata taste like bubblegum? ›

Chilacates also skips mixes for their horchata, but its bubblegum sticky-sweetness comes from a combination of condensed milk and sugar. You can trust the rice milk comes from scratch, however. Tenoch's multiple locations all serve horchata, which also sticks to the basics: milk, rice, cinnamon, and vanilla.

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