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As the summer sun blazes overhead, there’s nothing quite like a cold drink to cool you down and lift your spirits. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Ube Horchata—a delicious twist on the classic Latin beverage that combines creamy sweetness with a vibrant purple hue. When I first tasted this unique blend of Filipino and Mexican flavors at a local boba shop, I knew I had to recreate it at home.

With just a handful of ingredients, this refreshing drink masterfully marries the nuttiness of rice and almonds with the delightful sweetness of ube halaya. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it can easily be made vegan without losing that rich, creamy texture we all love. Ideal for warm days or as a crowd-pleasing party refreshment, Ube Horchata is sure to impress everyone at the table while transporting you to a tropical paradise. So, let’s get blending and enjoy a sip of this delightful drink!

Why is Ube Horchata a Must-Try?

Uniqueness: Ube Horchata takes a traditional favorite and infuses it with vibrant flavor and color. Creamy Delight: The combination of rice, almonds, and ube creates a luxurious, smooth texture that makes this drink irresistible. Versatile Options: Easily switch to plant-based milk for a vegan version without losing any of the deliciousness. Refreshing and Cool: Perfect for hot summer days, this drink offers a refreshing escape from typical beverages. Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your friends and family with this exotic twist at parties or gatherings; they won’t stop talking about it! Treat yourself to a taste of paradise with this easy-to-make Ube Horchata!

Ube Horchata Ingredients

• Discover the delightful components that bring this drink to life!

For the Base
• White Rice – Soak overnight for a creamy texture that’s key to Ube Horchata.
• Cinnamon Sticks – Adds a warm spiciness; breaking them helps release flavor while blending.
• Chopped Almonds – Provides nutty richness that beautifully complements the rice.
• Water – Essential for soaking the rice and almonds to enhance blendability.

For Sweetness and Flavor
• Ube Halaya (Jam) – The star ingredient that adds both sweetness and that vibrant purple color.
• Evaporated Milk – Brings creaminess; substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Milk of Choice (Oat, Almond, Whole, Skim) – Adjusts the drink’s creaminess; opt for oat for a thicker texture.
• Ube Extract – Intensifies the ube flavor; adjust based on your brand to avoid bitterness.

For the Garnish
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances aroma and adds an appealing finish as a garnish.
• Cinnamon Stick (for garnish) – Provides visual appeal and a hint of additional spiciness.

How to Make Ube Horchata

Combine Ingredients: In an airtight container, mix white rice, broken cinnamon sticks, and chopped almonds with 2 cups of water. Soak the mixture in the fridge overnight to soften everything for blending.
Blend Smoothly: After soaking, transfer the rice mixture to a blender along with ube halaya. Blend until silky smooth, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Strain Mixture: Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the blended mixture into a bowl or pitcher. Strain out the solids to achieve that creamy horchata texture.
Mix Well: In a large pitcher, whisk together the strained liquid with evaporated milk, your choice of milk, and ube extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined harmoniously.
Serve Chilled: Fill glasses with ice and pour the ube horchata over it. Garnish with ground cinnamon and add a fresh cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation.

Optional: Drizzle a little extra ube extract on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Ube Horchata

Soaking is Key: Always soak the white rice and almonds overnight. This step enhances the creaminess of your Ube Horchata and ensures a smoother blend.
Taste Test Ube Extract: Different brands of ube extract vary in potency. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid bitterness in your horchata.
Milk Matters: The type of milk you choose greatly affects the drink’s texture. Oat milk creates a creamier consistency, while almond milk gives a lighter finish; select what suits your taste best.
Adjustment for Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of ube halaya to increase sweetness or use alternative sweeteners for your Ube Horchata, especially if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Keep It Fresh: Serve the Ube Horchata chilled, especially on hot days, and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Shake before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Storage Tips for Ube Horchata

Fridge: Store your Ube Horchata in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Shake Before Serving: Since the ingredients may separate while stored, give it a good shake to recombine before pouring over ice.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Ube Horchata in silicone ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Add the cubes to smoothies or blend into a new batch when craving a fresh drink.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen Ube Horchata, thaw in the fridge overnight or blend frozen cubes with a splash of milk of choice for a quick treat.

Ube Horchata Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Ube Horchata by exploring these exciting variations that beckon a delightful twist!

Ube Powder: Substitute ube halaya with ube powder for a quicker prep. Just ensure to mix well for a smooth flavor.
Plant-Based Milks: Try using cashew or soy milk for a different flavor profile. Each milk adds a unique creaminess that contributes to the overall taste.
Coconut Cream: For an extra richness, incorporate coconut cream instead of evaporated milk. This brings an indulgent tropical twist!
Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweet touch. Adjust based on your taste preference to keep it deliciously balanced.
Chocolatey Bliss: Add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a choco-ube variation. The blend of flavors creates a cozy warmth reminiscent of chocolate desserts.
Minty Fresh: Infuse fresh mint leaves during the soaking process for a refreshing herbal note. It adds a lovely contrast to the sweet flavors.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a hint of cayenne pepper for an adventurous twist. The subtle heat elevates the drink and engages your taste buds.
Fruity Fusion: Blend in some strawberries or mangoes for a fruity version. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a splash of color—perfect for summer!

Make Ahead Options

Ube Horchata is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its refreshing flavors with minimal effort on busy days! You can soak the white rice, broken cinnamon sticks, and chopped almonds up to 24 hours in advance to enhance blendability. Simply combine these ingredients in an airtight container with 2 cups of water and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy your Ube Horchata, blend the soaked mixture with ube halaya and strain the solids as usual. To maintain its creamy quality, store the finished horchata in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake before serving over ice, and you’ll have a delightful treat waiting for you!

What to Serve with Ube Horchata?

Pairing Ube Horchata with complementary dishes transforms a simple drink into a delightful dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Spicy Tacos: The refreshing sweetness of Ube Horchata balances the heat from spicy tacos, creating a satisfying contrast in flavors. A perfect match for a lively summer meal.
Filipino Adobo: This savory dish, rich in umami, pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of Ube Horchata, making each sip even more refreshing. This combination is a true taste of paradise.
Coconut Sticky Rice: The texture and tropical flavor of coconut sticky rice harmonizes with Ube Horchata, bringing out its nutty undertones while providing an appealing dessert-like experience.
Mango Salad: The bright, juicy flavors of a mango salad add a refreshing note that complements the creaminess of the horchata, enhancing your culinary adventure.
Chips with Salsa Verde: A crunchy side of chips, especially with bright and zesty salsa verde, offers a delightful contrast to the creaminess of Ube Horchata—perfect for gatherings!
Light Desserts: Pair your drink with fresh fruit sorbet or coconut panna cotta for a sweet touch that ties back to the tropical flavors in the horchata.
Flan: The smooth caramel notes of flan make it an elegant dessert that enhances the richness of Ube Horchata without overpowering its unique flavor profile.
Iced Tea: A lightly brewed herbal iced tea can serve as a refreshing counterpart, balancing the sweetness of Ube Horchata and providing a great thirst-quencher.
Fruit Platter: Serve a colorful array of tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya, as these fresh flavors complement the nutty creaminess and enhance the overall refreshment.

Ube Horchata Recipe FAQs

What kind of rice should I use for Ube Horchata?
I recommend using white rice, specifically medium or long-grain, for the best creamy texture. Soaking it overnight helps to soften the rice, making it easier to blend into a smooth mixture. If you’re adventurous, you could experiment with jasmine rice for an added floral note!

How long can I store Ube Horchata in the fridge?
You can keep your Ube Horchata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it at its best, shake it gently before serving, as the ingredients tend to separate over time. Don’t worry, it’s still delicious!

Can I freeze Ube Horchata?
Absolutely! To freeze Ube Horchata, pour it into silicone ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2 months. For a quick treat, just blend the frozen cubes with a splash of your preferred milk. It’s an excellent way to enjoy this refreshing drink anytime!

What adjustments can I make for dietary restrictions?
You can easily make Ube Horchata vegan by substituting the evaporated milk with coconut condensed milk or another plant-based milk. Additionally, be cautious with the ube extract if you have allergies, as some brands may contain additives. Always check the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs.

What if my Ube Horchata is too thick?
If you find that your Ube Horchata is thicker than you’d like, simply add more milk of your choice until you reach your desired consistency. I often suggest starting with oat milk for a creamier texture, but almond or skim milk can work well for a lighter version, too!

Why is my Ube Horchata bitter?
The bitterness usually comes from the ube extract. Different brands can vary significantly in intensity. It’s best to start by adding a small amount, tasting as you go, until you achieve that lovely sweetness without overpowering bitterness. Remember, balance is key!