Horchata (Rice and Cinnamon Drink)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 5 cups water, divided
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup milk (dairy or almond)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the rice, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of the water in a blender. Pulse for about 30 seconds until the rice is roughly ground.

2. 2

   Transfer the mixture to a large bowl or pitcher, add the remaining 3 cups of water, cover, and let soak at room temperature for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight).

3. 3

   Pour the mixture back into the blender (in batches if necessary) and blend on high speed until very smooth.

4. 4

   Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher to remove all the solids.

5. 5

   Stir in the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved.

6. 6

   Chill the horchata in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve over plenty of ice.