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Fall is in the air, and with it comes the return of all things pumpkin spice! But this season, instead of your typical latte, why not enjoy a cozy twist on a beloved traditional Mexican drink? Enter pumpkin spice horchata—a creamy, cinnamon-infused rice drink with a hint of autumn magic.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving something new, pumpkin spice horchata is the perfect way to blend cultural flavors with the warmth of the season.
Pumpkin Spice Horchata
Ingredients
Horchata
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 10 cups water, divided
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Place the rice, almonds and 2 cups of water into a container and allow to soak at least 4 hours, up to overnight.
- Strain rice mixture and rinse. Transfer the rinsed rice and almonds to a blender. Add dark brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, vanilla, salt and 2 cups water and blend until mostly smooth, 3-5 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 cups water and blend until smooth, about another 2 minutes.
- Pour the blended rice mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press down to extract as much liquid as possible, discarding the solids. (See notes about straining.)
- Top off pitcher with 4 cups water. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice
Notes
Straining: For a really smooth drink, after straining through a fine sieve, strain the mixture a second time through a nut milk bag. It takes longer, but if you're not in a rush you can squeeze the nut milk bag OR hang the nut milk bag from your kitchen cabinet over a large bowl and let gravity take over.
Seperating: The contents may settle and your horchata might need a little shake or stir before serving.
What is Horchata?
Horchata, specifically horchata de arroz, is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s cool, refreshing, and often enjoyed as a sweet treat with meals or on its own. The rice is soaked, blended, and strained to create a smooth, milky drink that’s naturally dairy-free, though many modern recipes add milk for extra creaminess.
Now, add a dash of autumnal flavor, and you’ve got pumpkin spice horchata—a delicious fusion that will make you rethink your go-to fall drinks!
Why Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice, a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall. It’s comforting, aromatic, and pairs beautifully with the flavors of horchata. Adding it to horchata brings out the cinnamon base, while the other spices give the drink that distinct pumpkin spice flair we all crave this time of year. It’s a delightful balance between traditional and seasonal.
Still looking for more pumpkin spice? Try our easy recipe for an easy Pumpkin Spice Piloncillo Syrup.
