Strawberry and Peach Horchata

Strawberry and Peach Horchata

Ingredients:

**For the Horchata Base:**
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 cup milk (can use dairy or almond milk)
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Strawberry and Peach Blend:**
– 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 large peach, pitted and chopped
– 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of the fruit)
– 1/2 cup cold water

**To Serve:**
– Ice cubes
– Sliced strawberries and peach pieces for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Horchata Base:**
– Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
– In a blender, combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of water. Blend for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is slightly broken up.
– Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the rice to soften and the flavors to meld.
– After soaking, strain the rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
– Stir in the milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

2. **Prepare the Strawberry and Peach Blend:**
– In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, chopped peach, sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold water. Blend until smooth.
– Strain the fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp, if desired. Add the strained fruit juice to the horchata base and stir well to combine.

3. **Chill and Serve:**
– Refrigerate the strawberry and peach horchata for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
– To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the horchata over the ice.
– Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and peach pieces if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing and creamy **Strawberry and Peach Horchata**! It’s a perfect drink to cool off on a hot day or to serve at gatherings.