Fewer things are more disappointing than being in a rut, especially when it comes to food and drink. It’s not like you can skip out on eating and drinking, either, as those things are necessary for survival, but what are you supposed to do when none of your favorite recipes sound appetizing? 

Well, you try something new, of course! And we’ve got just the thing if you’re looking to expand your adult beverage horizons: meet the dirty horchata cocktail.

WHAT IS HORCHATA?

The name horchata comes from the Latin word hordeata that refers to the grain-based beverages of the Mediterranean tradition. You might find it made by soaking things like nuts and seeds, depending on the region of the world you’re in, but our recipe is based on horchata de arroz, or rice milk, which is most common in Mexico and Guatemala. 

Typically, the creamy drink is made with rice, vanilla, and cinnamon, but the dirty horchata adds a couple of extra ingredients: coffee for when you need something with a kick and Kahlúa coffee liqueur just in case the regular coffee doesn’t quite kick hard enough. 

You can also try a horchata latte if it’s closer to morning time! 

MAKE A DIRTY HORCHATA COCKTAIL AT HOME

YOU’LL NEED: 

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup of espresso
• 2 ounces Kahlúa
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• blender
• a container with a lid 
• whisk
• cinnamon sugar (to rim the glass)

THE PROCESS:

Step 1:

Before you start making this drink, Roasty reader, you should note: the first step of this recipe has to be taken the night before you plan to enjoy the cocktail, so keep that in mind as you round up the ingredients you need for it.

Start by combining the uncooked white rice and warm water in the covered container, being sure to let it soak overnight. 

Step 2:

When the next day has begun, uncover your rice-water mixture and pour it into a blender. Pulse until the mixture becomes creamy and white. 

Step 3:

Once the two are blended, it’s time to add a little bit of spice. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the rice water and stir, making sure that the powdery nutmeg and cinnamon are well-mixed.

Step 4:

Next, use a whisk to mix the sweetened condensed milk into the rest of the liquid. 

Step 5:

Now, the next thing you’ll want to do is rim your glass with cinnamon sugar — because a drink this delicious has to be served with some added flair — and fill it with ice.

Step 6:

Pull out your espresso machine, and brew a cup of the rich, dark coffee.

Step 7:

Then, pour the horchata mixture, coffee, and Kahlúa over the ice cubes, and you’re done! If you want, you can one or two cinnamon sticks into the drink for a cocktail garnish. 

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ENJOY RESPONSIBLY!

The dirty horchata cocktail is easy to make and even easier to love. Try it on a hot summer afternoon when you need something cool and strong…or basically any time you want to deviate from your typical cocktail line-up. Whip these bad boys out at your next gathering; we’re pretty sure your friends will love it, too!

Happy Caffeinating!

Dirty Horchata Cocktail

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Looking for a way to make your nights more caffeinated? Try out this cocktail that can be made stronger by adding another shot of espresso or more kahlua!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice
• ¼ cup of maple syrup
• 1 cup of espresso
• 2 ounces of kahlua
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Soak rice in a closed container of 2 ½ cups of warm water overnight.
2. Blend rice and water until creamy. 
3. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and blend just til combined. 
4. In a pitcher, combine your rice mixture with the sweetened condensed milk.
5. Rim a glass with cinnamon and sugar and fill with ice. 
6. Add in your horchata (rice and milk mixture) and top with espresso and kahlua.
7. Sprinkle it with cinnamon and enjoy!