Real Food Horchata Ice Cream

Published: Jun 6, 2016 · Modified: Aug 20, 2019 by Emily Criswell · I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article · 54 Comments

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Real Food Horchata Ice Cream is so delicious! Inspired by the Mexican agua fresca, this naturally sweetened ice cream is rice milk infused with hints of sweet cinnamon.

This post is sponsored by RiceSelect{courtesy of Mambo Sprouts}, all opinions, recipe and photography are my own.

Have you ever had Mexican "fresh waters" a.k.a. aguas frescas before?

Aguasfrescas are the perfect thirst-quenching drink on a hot summer day. They're usually full of bold flavors and poured over a glass full of ice. Sweet, icy deliciousness!

Horchata is one of the classic, popular aguas frescas flavors. It's usually made with white rice, milk, cinnamon and sugar.

My husband grew up drinking Horchata and often talks about it. I have recreated many of his favorite aguas frescas flavors, but I still have not made him Horchata.

Sincethe weather is already so hot in Northern California, I thought why not combine the flavors of Horchata WITHice cream and surprise him after work.

Let's just say, when I said, "taste this," his eyes were full of excitement and the smile on his face said it all. He told me the flavor was spot on.

I usedTexmati® White RicefromRiceSelectto make the infused rice milk ice cream base. Texmati® White Ricecombines the qualities of basmati with that of traditional American long-grain rice.

This non-GMO verified aromatic rice has a lovely nutty flavor and makes the perfect base for homemade Horchata.

Combine theflavorful homemade rice milkwith cream, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon and a tiny bit of sea salt and you have an amazing base to makeHorchata ice cream.

Yield: 1 quart

Inactive Time: 10 hours

Total Time: 10 hours

Real Food Horchata Ice Cream is so delicious! Inspired by the Mexican agua fresca, this naturally sweetened ice cream is rice milk infused with hints of sweet cinnamon.

Ingredients

½ cup long-grain white rice like RiceSelect Texmati® White Rice
1 ½ cups filtered water
2 cups raw, organic or grass-fed cream or full-fat coconut cream/milk
¼ cup organic maple syrup, or more if you prefer it sweeter
2 tablespoons organic vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (<-- this is my favorite orangutan safe cinnamon)
¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt - optional (<-- this is my favorite sea salt)

Instructions

Place rice and water in a blender. Blend for about 15-20 seconds until most of the rice is finely ground up. Pour rice water into a mason jar and cover with a lid. Refrigerate for 10 hours or overnight [Note: If you're in a hurry to make this, let the rice water soak for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.]
Strain rice water through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large mixing bowl. Add cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt. Gently whisk to combine - take care not to over mix or mix too fast as you risk turning the cream into butter. A gentle stir just to combine everything works fine.
Turn preparedice cream makeron and pour ice cream mixture into the ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer's instructions.
When ice cream starts to have a "soft serve" texture, it's done.* Serve immediately or use a wooden spoon to transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until ready to serve.

Notes

YOU WILL NEED:Blender, Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth, Large Mixing Bowl, Whisk,Ice Cream Maker

*I run my ice cream maker for about 20-25 minutes until it's a thick soft-serve consistency. My family loves it like this. If we're not eating it right away, I usually place it in the freezer for about 1 hourto firm up a bit.

STORAGE:Cover in anairtight freezer-safe containerand store in freezer for up to 2 weeks.If it's frozen overnight, make sure to remove it from the freezer and set it on the counter for at least 15-30minutes before serving.

If you don’t use raw dairy, look for high quality organic cream from cows that graze on grass {grassfed/pastured}. Ideally, look for products that do not ultra-pasturize their products.

DAIRY FREE VERSION:Substitute full-fat coconut cream/milk for the dairy.

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 326Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 116mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g

This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circ*mstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

TEXMATI® GIVEAWAY ...Would you like to win 2 pounds of Texmati® RiceSelect and a canvas tote? To enter please leave a comment below and I will select one random winner {please note, I can only ship to U.S. residents}. Random winner will be picked on Friday, June 10, 2016.

Are you onPinterest? I pinlots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just forBeverages,BreakfastandGluten Free Treatstoo. Come follow along.

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About Emily Criswell

Emily Criswell is a chocolate- and sweet treat-loving, holistic-minded mom of 4. She's a 4-time cookbook author -The Art of Great Cooking withYour Instant Pot {ranked in Amazon's top 10 new releases - gluten free recipes}, Amazing Mexican Favorites with Your Instant Pot{ranked as a #1 New Release BEST SELLER!}, Low-Carb Cooking with Your Instant Pot, The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes, food photographer, homeschooler and the founder of Recipes to Nourish, a gluten-free blog focusing on real food and natural living. She works to empower her readers by showing them that there is a healthier way to eat and live. Her passion is to make healthy, natural living as uncomplicated and enjoyable as possible.Find Emily’s latest recipes and natural living tips atRecipes to Nourish. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest, Twitterand YouTube plus grab her free eBookHolistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy. Read more >>About Emily.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Bethany @ athletic avocado
June 06, 2016 at 6:20 am

I LOVE horchata! It sounds even better in the form of ice cream! Great idea!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 9:26 am
  
  Thanks Bethany! I hope you get to try some.
  Reply
Candy
June 06, 2016 at 7:48 am

I have never experienced this type of ice cream. Will have see if I can find all ingredients.
Reply
See Also
Coconut Ice Cream Recipe- Just 3 Ingredients!Almond Custard Ice Cream Recipe 9 Whole 30 Dessert Recipes You'll Love Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 9:26 am
  
  It's so yummy 🙂 Hope you're able to try some.
  Reply
Rachel
June 06, 2016 at 7:54 am

I've never had horchata before, but this ice cream looks delicious! So many bloggers have been putting up their recipes for ice cream, and I've been dying to try my hand at making it. This might just be the perfect time to try!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 9:25 am
  
  I hope you get to try some! It's so yummy. Homemade ice cream is one of my favorite things to make, I hope you get to make some soon.
  Reply
Michaela Knight
June 06, 2016 at 8:18 am

I can't wait to try this! My husband and I are obsessed with Horchata everything. Thank you for sharing-- it sounds delicious 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 9:25 am
  
  I hope you get to try some! 🙂
  Reply
Megan Stevens
June 06, 2016 at 9:13 am

This looks and sounds amazing. I love horchata and seeing how you make the homemade rice milk.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 9:24 am
  
  Thanks Megan! It's such a fun flavor. I love that you love Horchata too 🙂 xo
  Reply
Rachel @ Bakerita
June 06, 2016 at 10:13 am

I adore horchata, and making it into an ice cream flavor sounds BEYOND delish! I'm totally all about this and I've got to try it soon. 😀
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 12:55 pm
  
  I hope you get to make some 🙂
  Reply
Lauren
June 06, 2016 at 10:40 am

This sounds perfect for summer!!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 12:55 pm
  
  Thanks! It's so refreshing and yummy 🙂
  Reply
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
June 06, 2016 at 10:53 am

Shoot looks like I need to get myself an ice cream maker! I love this - ice cream is my weakness this time of year and the flavors in this creation sound out of this world!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 12:56 pm
  
  You will love being able to make your own ice cream. It's so much fun 🙂
  Reply
Joanie @ ZagLeft
June 06, 2016 at 12:39 pm

I love this flavor but haven't made horchata ice cream before. It's one of my favorites, can't wait to try your recipe.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 12:56 pm
  
  I hope you get to make some! 🙂
  Reply
Amanda | Maple Alps
June 06, 2016 at 12:54 pm

This looks amazing! I've been experimenting with some ice creams, and this is definitely one I will have to try next! Thank you!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 06, 2016 at 12:57 pm
  
  Thanks Amanda! I hope you get to try some 🙂
  Reply
  See Also
  Pistachio Syrup Recipe - We are not Martha
Ruthie Ridley
June 06, 2016 at 5:32 pm

YUM YUM YUM! This looks so delicious!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:55 am
  
  Thank you! 🙂
  Reply
Ashleigh
June 06, 2016 at 6:36 pm

This looks like a great and tasty recipe, I can't wait to try it! I love homemade icecream! Thank you for sharing!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:58 am
  
  Thanks Ashleigh! I hope you get to try some 🙂
  Reply
Anvita
June 06, 2016 at 8:38 pm

This is such an interesting recipe. I am so going to try this sometime soon. I make something similar but i like the twist of the maple syrup and cinnamon. on my to-make list :). I will keep you posted when i try this.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:55 am
  
  I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
  Reply
Jenna
June 07, 2016 at 5:31 am

This sounds fantastic! I love cinnamon in ice cream. I've never done rice milk ice cream before but would definitely give it a try.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:54 am
  
  Thanks Jenna! 🙂 It still has the creamy dairy base, with a little bit of the rice milk water infused into it 🙂 It's really yummy.
  Reply
Marjorie
June 07, 2016 at 8:42 am

I can't wait to try this! Love these flavors!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:56 am
  
  Thanks Marjorie! I hope you get to make some. 🙂
  Reply
linda
June 07, 2016 at 8:47 am

What a creative and delicious way to use rice! And this ice cram looks so perfect and creamy!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 07, 2016 at 8:56 am
  
  Thanks so much Linda! 🙂
  Reply
Dawn G.
June 07, 2016 at 11:50 am

I love horchata, so this ice cream looks amazing. Can't wait to try it this weekend!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:52 pm
  
  I hope you enjoy it 🙂
  Reply
The Food Hunter
June 07, 2016 at 12:50 pm

What a super cool recipe...I will be trying this for sure.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:53 pm
  
  Thanks! I hope you get to try some. 🙂
  Reply
Heather
June 07, 2016 at 1:11 pm

That ice cream sounds so good right now!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:53 pm
  
  Thanks so much Heather! 🙂
  Reply
Jolene @ Yummy Inspirations
June 07, 2016 at 3:46 pm

What an interesting recipe! The ice cream looks so creamy!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:53 pm
  
  Thanks 🙂
  Reply
Maya | Wholesome Yum
June 07, 2016 at 9:20 pm

This ice cream looks amazing!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:53 pm
  
  Thank you so much Maya 🙂
  Reply
anna@greentalk
June 08, 2016 at 9:50 am

I am in love since this recipe would be great for us dairy free peeps.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:53 pm
  
  🙂 it's super yummy, I hope you get to enjoy some.
  Reply
Sarah
June 08, 2016 at 1:14 pm

looks so creamy and divine!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 08, 2016 at 5:54 pm
  
  Thanks so much Sarah 🙂
  Reply
Melissa
June 09, 2016 at 8:27 pm

Are you kidding me? This is one of my favorite drinks. I stop by & get this drink at the local Hispanic market too often to admit. I didn't even think about it being in ice cream form. Oh yummy! I can't wait to make this ice cream recipe!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 11, 2016 at 10:26 am
  
  Isn't it such a delicious drink? I hope you get to try it in ice cream form 🙂
  Reply
Sylvie
June 10, 2016 at 1:07 am

Homemade ice cream is the best and this one sounds really wonderful!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 11, 2016 at 10:26 am
  
  Thanks so much Sylvie! 🙂
  Reply
Raia
June 13, 2016 at 11:47 am

This sounds amazing, Emily! I will definitely be giving it a try this summer. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Allergy Free Thursdays! I'm going to be featuring it at this week's party. 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 14, 2016 at 1:01 pm
  
  Thanks love! I appreciate it xo
  Reply
Lavanya
April 03, 2021 at 3:45 am

Hi, I love horchata Ice cream and have had it a couple of times. I want to try this at home but don't have an ice cream maker. I have an electric beater though. Can you advise on how I can make this using my beater. Thanks!
Reply
- Emily Vidaurri
  April 14, 2021 at 3:34 pm
  
  Hi, I'm not sure how to make this with an electric beater. I've heard of people freezing the liquid in a loaf pan and once it's semi-frozen to frozen, adding it to a food processor to whip it up to a "ice cream" consistency texture.
  Reply

Real Food Horchata Ice Cream | Recipes to Nourish (2024)

Have you ever had Mexican "fresh waters" a.k.a. aguas frescas before?