Saffron & Cardamom Horchata is a creamy and smooth rice-based Mexican drink laced with beautiful Indian spices. It's an elegant Indian fusion drink that can be enjoyed as a refreshing cooler all year round.
Whilst I was in Barcelona, I ordered horchata at the train station. A little google search later informed me that Spanish horchata is known as Horchata de Chufa, which is made with tiger nuts.
Call me naïve, but I didn’t actually know there were different types of Horchata! The horchata that I was familiar with was Mexican horchata using rice milk.
I had long-grain rice at home so settled on making Mexican horchata. With a kitchen cupboard groaning under the weight of different spices, it made sense to add a different flavour to the horchata. I went with saffron and cardamom.
In our kitchen, saffron is primarily used in sweets such as pistachio cupcakes with saffron frosting and saffron pistachio shortbread. However it also plays a role in savoury dishes such as saffron cream sauce and vegetable paella with halloumi.
The saffron and cardamom combination blends really well with the sweet nutty milk. It's great served on its own over ice in the cooler months but can even be served as a beverage alongside an Indian dinner party or Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Be sure to check out the full recipe and exact ingredient list below in the recipe card.
- Long grain rice
- Whole milk
- Almond milk or raw almonds
- Sweet condensed milk
- Spices: green cardamom pods & saffron threads
- Ice cubes
Storage
Store horchata in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. You will need to stir or shake gently each time prior to serving as the rice milk will settle at the bottom.
Horchata can also be frozen in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw in the fridge and enjoy chilled.
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📖 Recipe
Saffron and Cardamom Mexican Horchata
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup long grain rice
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 6 cardamom pods
- 10-12 saffron strands
- ice cubes to serve
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold running water, then soak with cardamom pods and 1 cup clean water.
- Soak over night or at least 8 hours.
- Next day in the blender add the soaked rice with the water and cardamom.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the rice.
- Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, almond milk and saffron threads into the rice liquid.
- You may want to add extra cardamom powder. Mix well
- Pour into glasses, and top with ice cubes and more saffron.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This RecipeNote – This recipe has been updated from our recipe archives with a new, improved recipe, new images and content. First published in August 2017.
Hayley Dhanecha says
I like making saffron cardamom horchata when I want something cool, fragrant and a little bit different from the usual summer drinks. The rice, saffron and cardamom blend so beautifully into a creamy, lightly spiced refreshment. I enjoy serving it chilled over ice, it always feels soothing, aromatic and really special to sip on.
Ginny McMeans says
One of my favorite drinks. I'll have to make your recipe with my dairy-free condensed milk. Thanks!
Sandi says
What a beautiful creamy looking drink.
Lisa says
I've heard of horchata, but never tried it before. I love the saffron and cardamom you've used in this recipe. I do have a question about the rice -- does it add a lot of flavor?
jcookingodyssey says
Thank you Lisa for the lovely comment. yes, you can taste the rice in the horchata but it adds a really lovely flavour. Hope you like it.
Vicky @ AvocadoPesto says
I also had no idea there were different kinds of horchata! And what on earth are tiger nuts?! I've never tried horchata before but I am sure I would love this saffron cardamon flavor combination!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Vicky for the nice comment. We didn't know about tiger nuts either until we look them up 🙂 you can find them in health shop I think or order them online.
Unknown says
I've never tried horchata and need to change that soon! Your photos are so beautiful, I could look at them all day 🙂
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Michelle for the nice comment. You'll love this flavour in horchata:)
Unknown says
I've never heard of this drink before but it sounds so rich and delicious! I love anything with cardamom in it though to be honest!