HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MATCHA HORCHATA, SO REFRESHING YOU NEED TO TRY IT!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MATCHA HORCHATA, SO REFRESHING YOU NEED TO TRY IT! is a easy Mexican Fusion recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.

Prep: 4 hrs 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 4 hrs 45 min

Cost: $5.35 total, $1.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups White Rice (Rinse thoroughly before soaking)
  • 1 large Cinnamon Stick (Used for soaking and garnish)
  • 0.75 cup Sugar (Adjust to taste; start with 3/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (Culinary‑grade for best flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla extract preferred)
  • 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (Full‑fat canned evaporated milk)
  • 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk (Full‑fat sweetened condensed milk)
  • 3 cups Milk (Whole milk gives the creamiest texture)
  • As needed cubes Ice (For serving over ice)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice

    Place 1½ cups of white rice in a fine‑mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Soak Rice with Cinnamon

    Transfer the rinsed rice to a large container, add 1 large cinnamon stick, and cover with 4 cups of hot water. Cover and let sit overnight or at least 4 hours.

    Time: PT4H0M

  3. Blend the Soaked Rice

    Drain the soaked rice (reserve the liquid for later if desired) and place the rice into the blender. Add ¾ cup sugar (or to taste) and blend on high until the rice is completely pulverized.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Strain the Mixture

    Line a large jar or pitcher with cheesecloth (or a fine mesh strainer) and pour the blended rice through, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Incorporate Matcha

    Add 2 tablespoons of matcha powder to the strained liquid and whisk vigorously until the matcha is fully dissolved and no clumps remain.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Flavorings and Milks

    Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, the entire can of evaporated milk, and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Finish with Milk

    Pour in 3 cups of whole milk, stirring gently. Taste and add more sugar if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Chill or Serve Over Ice

    Refrigerate the matcha horchata for at least 30 minutes, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish each glass with a pinch of matcha and a cinnamon stick.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Milk, Dairy

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MATCHA HORCHATA, SO REFRESHING YOU NEED TO TRY IT!

Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia

A refreshing, creamy Mexican‑style horchata infused with vibrant matcha green tea. This super‑easy drink combines soaked rice, cinnamon, sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, and a touch of vanilla, then is brightened with matcha powder. Perfect for hot days, it can be customized for sweetness and served over ice with a garnish of extra matcha and a cinnamon stick.

EasyMexican FusionServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 26m
Prep
0m
Cook
32m
Cleanup
4h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.35
Total cost
$1.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the rice with cinnamon for at least 4 hours
  • Blending the rice until completely pulverized
  • Straining through cheesecloth to achieve a smooth base
  • Fully dissolving the matcha powder without clumps
  • Adjusting sweetness to personal preference

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water used for soaking can cause burns—handle with care.
  • Blender blades are sharp; keep hands away while blending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of horchata in Mexican cuisine?

A

Traditional horchata originated in Spain and was adapted in Mexico using rice, cinnamon, and sugar. It became a popular refreshing street drink, especially in hot climates, and is now a staple at festivals and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

How did matcha become incorporated into a Mexican horchata, and what does this fusion represent in modern cuisine?

A

Matcha, a Japanese green‑tea powder, adds a bright flavor and antioxidant boost. Combining it with Mexican horchata reflects contemporary culinary trends that blend global ingredients to create new, health‑focused drinks.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of horchata across Mexico?

A

In the north, horchata is often made with rice and cinnamon; in the south, versions may use tigernut (chufa) or almond milk. Some regions add vanilla or lime zest for extra aroma.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is horchata traditionally served in Mexican culture?

A

Horchata is commonly served at festivals, fairs, and family gatherings, especially during hot summer days, birthdays, and religious holidays such as Día de los Muertos.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in classic Mexican horchata versus the matcha horchata recipe from Cooking Con Claudia?

A

Classic horchata uses rice, cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes vanilla. Cooking Con Claudia’s version adds matcha powder, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess and a green‑tea twist.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican drinks pair well with matcha horchata?

A

Matcha horchata pairs nicely with aguas frescas like hibiscus (jamaica) or tamarind, as well as with light snacks such as churros, empanadas, or fresh fruit.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making matcha horchata?

A

Common errors include not soaking the rice long enough, blending insufficiently, failing to strain the mixture, and adding matcha without whisking, which leads to clumps.

technical
Q

Why does this matcha horchata recipe use evaporated and sweetened condensed milk instead of regular cream?

A

Evaporated and condensed milks provide richness and sweetness without the need for heavy cream, keeping the drink shelf‑stable and easier to blend with the rice base.

technical
Q

Can I make matcha horchata ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the rice base and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 3 days. Add matcha and milks just before serving, then chill or serve over ice.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?

A

Cooking Con Claudia focuses on easy‑to‑follow, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often featuring Latin American and fusion dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia’s approach to Mexican‑inspired drinks differ from other cooking channels?

A

Claudia emphasizes quick preparation, minimal equipment, and customizable sweetness levels, while also incorporating global ingredients like matcha to create unique, health‑forward variations.

channel

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