Description
Chai Horchata is a refreshing and aromatic fusion beverage that combines the creamy texture of traditional horchata with the warm, spicy flavors of chai tea. This unique drink blends soaked rice with a chai tea infusion, milk, and a touch of sweetness to create a delightful beverage perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea and Spice Infusion
- 5 black tea bags
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2 cloves
- 6 black peppercorns
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups water (for brewing tea)
Rice and Liquid Components
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 4 cups water (for diluting)
- ½ cup milk (any type, see notes)
- â…“ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving
- Ice, for serving
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the chai tea infusion: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the black tea bags, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, nutmeg, and cinnamon stick to the boiling water.
- Simmer and steep: Boil the mixture for 5 minutes to extract the flavors, then turn off the heat and let the tea steep for an additional 10 minutes to deepen the infusion. Remove the tea bags and spices by straining if desired.
- Soak the rice: Transfer the hot chai mixture into a heat-safe bowl with the uncooked long grain rice. Let the rice soak in the chai overnight or for at least 4 hours for the rice to soften and absorb the tea flavors.
- Blend the horchata base: After soaking, blend the rice and chai mixture thoroughly until completely smooth, ensuring all rice grains are broken down to create a creamy texture.
- Strain the mixture: Pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any remaining solids. Repeat the straining process if necessary for a smoother beverage.
- Mix remaining ingredients: Stir in the remaining 4 cups of water, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar into the strained horchata base. Taste and adjust sweetener as desired for your preferred flavor.
- Serve chilled: Pour the chai horchata over ice in tall glasses, then garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra aromatic touch. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar quantity depending on your sweetness preference or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- Milk can be dairy or any plant-based alternative such as almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan version.
- Allowing the rice to soak overnight enhances the flavor and creaminess significantly.
- Straining thoroughly is key to achieving a smooth, drinkable texture for horchata.
