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.
Miles and Miles Away says
I have never heard of this drink before but I would like to try it because i think it must be good.
Deepa says
Never heard of it but the use of cardamom, saffron and condensed milk makes it all interesting. Going to find out more about it.
Katie | Life She Lives says
I have never heard of this before but it sounds really interesting! I am definitely going to give it a try!
Amrita says
Interesting drink idea.Does it get a little fermented?It sounds absolutely unique.
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Unknown says
I never tried horchata but sounds really interesting. would love to try this!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
I love love love horchata and this savory take on it sounds incredible!
Cindy Rodriguez says
I absolutely love horchata and this looks so yummy!
Cookilicious says
Had never heard of this drink. Pinned it. As always..great pictures and an interesting recipe.
livanies says
This looks so good! I never heard about that. I also don't drink milk so I´m going to try it with soy milk
Unknown says
Hi, this looks interesting especially as it uses rice milk. I'm dairy free so I would have to use sugar instead.
Anonymous says
It's really a great and helpful piece off info. I'm satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Than you for sharing.
Soniya saluja says
Looks and sounds interesting!! Pinning it will try it soon 🙂
Unknown says
Never tried Horchata before,your pictures make me wannna try it!
Unknown says
This is very interesting drink. I haven't heard if it before. But somehow it reminds me of indian masala milk.