Imagine a refreshingly creamy drink that perfectly balances the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the unique, vibrant flavor of purple yam. That’s exactly what you get with this Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic horchata, infusing it with the sweet, earthy tones of ube to create a cool, colorful beverage that’s as fun to make as it is to sip on a warm day. Whether you’re looking for a new summer favorite or a stunning drink to impress guests, this recipe brings a tropical, nutty richness and a gorgeous hue that’s sure to brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in crafting the distinct flavor and creamy texture of this ube-infused horchata. From the nutty almonds to the earthiness of cinnamon sticks, every component helps build this refreshing masterpiece.
- 1 cup White Rice (Soak overnight): Acts as the creamy base lending that smooth horchata texture.
- 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (Broken): Release warm, aromatic flavor right from the start.
- 1/2 cup Chopped Almonds: Adds nutty richness that complements the rice beautifully.
- 2 cups Water (For soaking): Helps soften the rice and extract flavor during soaking.
- 1/2 cup Ube Halaya (Jam): The star ingredient that brings sweet, earthy purple yam flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (Or coconut condensed milk): Adds luscious creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup Milk of Choice: Customizes creaminess while balancing flavors – try oat or almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
- 1 teaspoon Ube Extract: Enhances that signature ube flavor and deep purple hue.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (For garnish): A fragrant sprinkle to finish and elevate presentation.
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (For garnish): Adds visual flair and subtle aroma with every sip.
How to Make Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Rice and Nuts
Begin by soaking your white rice and chopped almonds with the broken cinnamon sticks in 2 cups of water overnight. This soaking softens the grains and nuts, allowing their flavors to meld and become more pronounced for the creamy base of your horchata. It’s the secret behind that smooth, luscious texture you love.
Step 2: Blend Everything Smooth
After soaking, pour the mixture — including the cinnamon sticks — into a blender. Add the ube halaya, evaporated milk, milk of choice, and ube extract. Blend on high until silky smooth and the vibrant purple color shines through. This step melds the nutty, creamy, and sweet flavors into the perfect refreshing drink.
Step 3: Strain and Chill
Pour the blended mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher to catch any bits, ensuring your horchata is silky smooth. Refrigerate the strained horchata for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and the drink to cool for that ultimate refreshing experience.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When ready to serve your Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe, pour over ice, then sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and add a cinnamon stick to each glass. These little touches lift the drink visually and aromatically for a truly special sip.
How to Serve Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like a cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground cinnamon not only look stunning but enhance each refreshing mouthful with warm spice notes, striking a delightful balance with the ube’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this drink with light, tropical-inspired snacks such as coconut macaroons, fresh fruit skewers, or even Filipino pastries like bibingka or turon. These sides offer a complementary sweetness and texture contrast that make your refreshment adventure even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in clear glasses to showcase the gorgeous purple color, or even try mason jars with colorful striped straws for a fun, casual vibe. Adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves can take your presentation to the next level and brighten your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This ube horchata keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving since some settling may occur.
Freezing
Because of its creamy texture, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the consistency when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This horchata is meant to be served cold. If you prefer it warm, gently heat small portions on the stove but avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, regular milk works, but evaporated milk adds a richer creaminess and slight caramel note that truly elevates the horchata.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use coconut condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and choose any plant-based milk for a delicious vegan-friendly ube horchata.
How important is soaking the rice overnight?
Soaking softens the rice and nuts, helping release their flavors and ensuring a smooth texture. Skipping this step may result in a grittier drink.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, adjust the amount of ube halaya or add a touch of sweetener like maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
What if I don’t have ube extract?
You can omit the ube extract, but it enhances both the flavor and color. If unavailable, increase the ube halaya slightly to compensate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a refreshingly unique and creamy delight, give this Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe a try. It’s an inviting way to explore vibrant flavors with every sip, and I promise once you taste it, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again. Cheers to bright colors, comforting spices, and delicious memories in a glass!
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Delicious Ube Horchata: Your Cool Refreshment Adventure Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus overnight soaking and 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 4 cups) 1x
Description
Experience a vibrant twist on a classic refreshment with this Delicious Ube Horchata, blending creamy ube halaya with fragrant cinnamon and nutty almonds for a cool, flavorful drink perfect for warm days or any time you crave a unique beverage.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup White Rice (Soaked overnight)
- 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (Broken to release flavor)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Almonds (Adds nutty richness)
- 2 cups Water (For soaking)
Flavoring and Creaminess
- 1/2 cup Ube Halaya (Jam) (Star ingredient)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (Or coconut condensed milk)
- 1 cup Milk of Choice (Oat, Almond, Whole, or Skim)
- 1 teaspoon Ube Extract (Adjust based on brand)
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (For garnish)
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (For garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Rice and Almonds: Soak the white rice, broken cinnamon sticks, and chopped almonds in 2 cups of water overnight to soften and infuse flavors.
- Blend the Soaked Mixture: After soaking, blend the rice, almonds, and cinnamon water mixture until smooth to extract the flavors and create a creamy base.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove solids, resulting in a smooth horchata base.
- Add Ube Halaya and Milks: Mix in the ube halaya, evaporated milk (or coconut condensed milk), and your choice of milk (oat, almond, whole, or skim) into the strained liquid, stirring until well combined.
- Add Ube Extract: Stir in the ube extract to intensify the color and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference and brand strength.
- Chill the Horchata: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to marry.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the chilled ube horchata over ice cubes. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top and a cinnamon stick for added aroma and decoration.
Notes
- Soaking the rice and almonds overnight enhances the flavor and ensures a smooth drink.
- Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain for the best texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by using coconut condensed milk or adding sugar if desired.
- Ube extract varies by brand; start with less and add more to suit your taste.
- This drink is best served cold and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Filipino
