Horchata De Almendra

Posted in response to a recipe request from a recipe in the Houston Chronicle.

• Ready In: 12 hrs
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2⁄3 cup  uncooked white rice
• 1 1⁄4 cups  blanched almonds
• 1 (3 inch)  cinnamon sticks
• 2 1⁄2 cups hot water
• 1  cup sugar (or to taste)
• 2  cups cold water or 2  cups milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients.
2. Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. Pour mixture into a blender, add sugar and whirl on high several minutes until as smooth as possible.
4. Strain through a fine sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth, pressing on solids until only a semi dry pulp remains.
5. Pour liquid into a pitcher and add cold water or milk.
6. Taste and sweeten with more sugar if necessary.
7. Serve over ice.