This drink is like a hug in a mug. While typically served chilled over ice, horchata may also be served warm, which makes it perfect to enjoy during cooler months.
Flavourful flower
Chamomile is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat upset stomachs and ease anxiety. Commonly used as an ingredient in herbal tea, its flavour is lightly floral with a honey-like natural sweetness.
Warming Horchata
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp (90 mL) raw jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cinnamon stick, about 3 inches (5 cm) long
- 5 cups (1.25 L) water, divided
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 pure chamomile tea bags
- 2 to 3 Medjool dates, pitted (optional)
Directions
01
In spice grinder or high-speed blender, place rice and cinnamon stick and blend until finely ground.
02
In kettle or small saucepan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water to a boil.
03
In large heatproof bowl, place ground rice mixture along with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chamomile tea. Pour boiling water overtop, give it a stir, cover, and let sit at room temperature for 8 hours, up to overnight.
04
Remove and discard chamomile tea bags before pouring mixture (seeds, nuts, and all) into blender. Add dates, if using. Starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, blend mixture until smooth, adding remaining 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) water slowly. Take care, if you have a high-speed blender, not to over blend this mixture; you want to be able to filter out solids. Into large bowl, strain mixture through a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer lined with a couple of layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze or press on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids or save for another use.
05
Horchata will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 4 days. Horchata may separate as it sits, but a good stir should bring it back together.
06
When ready to serve, in saucepan, place as much as needed and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Thin as desired with additional water or nondairy milk of choice. Pour into mugs and serve.
