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.
Lathiya says
Never heard of this before ....even the looks of it is refreshing..
Fnon says
I've never tried Horchata before but this recipe has got me very interested, adding saffron even makes it more appealing.
Unknown says
Got a try this horchata out. Never thought of putting saffron in mine before. Great idea!
Elaine says
This looks so delicious! I have heard of horchata but have never had it. I can't wait to try your recipe!
Unknown says
OOOOH, I love horchata! Never thought of using safron in it. I love seeing how the color slowly infuses the whiteness of this beverage!
Jae says
What an interesting drink. Rice and saffron? Sign me up!
From: Calleigh - TheForkBite
Unknown says
I am not familiar with this drink. Will have to try it.
Lisa says
This sounds so rich to me. Is it? I would think the sweetened condensed milk would make it very sweet and yummy!
Julia says
I bought horchata in a supermarket but did not like its taste at all. Should give yours a try!
Juli Meyers says
I had no idea that there were varieties of horchata!
Amy|The Cook Report says
Sounds interesting, I've never tried horchata but these photos make it look delicious
Dee says
Never heard of it but it sounds amazing!
Marjory says
Adding Saffron and Cardamom Horchata to my bucket list! Very interested in trying this!
Tara says
Beautiful pouring shot! Horchata is a favorite of mine. I just had the Venezuelan variation yesterday. This looks incredible. Love the addition of saffron and cardamom
pam says
I've always wanted to try making homemade horchata!