Horchata latte is the perfect blend of creamy cinnamon sweetness and bold espresso, and it might just become your new favorite drink. In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to make one at home—from soaking rice and cinnamon for the base to pulling the espresso shot that brings it all together. I’ll share a personal story, break down the ingredients, explain every step, and offer pro tips for customizing and serving. Whether you’re here for the flavor or the comfort, this guide to making the perfect horchata latte has you covered.
Table of Contents
Horchata Latte Recipe: 7 Simple Steps to a Cozy Cinnamon Coffee
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This horchata latte combines creamy homemade horchata with bold espresso for a refreshing and cozy coffee treat. Perfect iced or warm, this recipe is simple and dairy-free.
Ingredients
4 oz horchata (see recipe below)
2 oz strong espresso
Ice, as needed
For Horchata:
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
1 oz cinnamon bark (canela)
6 cups water
3/4 cup simple syrup (see recipe below)
For Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Make the simple syrup by heating water and sugar until dissolved. Cool completely.
Rinse rice and soak with cinnamon bark in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Blend soaked rice mixture until smooth, then strain.
Stir in simple syrup and chill horchata before using.
Brew strong espresso.
Fill a glass with ice, add horchata, then pour espresso over. Stir gently and serve.
Notes
Use Ceylon cinnamon bark for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Adjust sweetness by varying simple syrup amount.
Serve iced for summer or warm for cozy winter days.
Experiment with different espresso strengths to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: horchata latte, cinnamon coffee drink, horchata recipe, espresso drink, Grain white rice, simple syrup, horchata, ice, cinnamon bark
The Story & Intro
How I discovered the horchata latte
I first tasted a horchata latte on a quiet Sunday morning at a café just outside Asheville. The name caught my eye—sweet horchata blended with bold espresso. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the first sip, I was hooked. It was creamy, spiced with cinnamon, and had just enough kick from the coffee. It instantly reminded me of home and the comfort of familiar flavors, like the banana bread I used to make with my mom on slow Saturday mornings.
That same evening, I tried recreating it. I had leftover horchata in the fridge and a fresh shot of espresso waiting. The result wasn’t perfect—but it was delicious. That moment sealed it for me. I didn’t need a barista badge or fancy tools. All it took was a craving, some basic ingredients, and the willingness to give it a shot.
Why I keep coming back to it
Now, the horchata latte is a part of my regular routine. It’s comforting in summer over ice, and cozy in winter when warmed up. More than anything, it’s simple and forgiving—ideal for anyone learning their way around the kitchen. If you’re someone who feels unsure in the kitchen or avoids complicated drinks, this latte invites you in. The ingredients are familiar: rice, cinnamon, sugar, and espresso. But together, they transform into something that feels special.
For me, cooking has always been about more than food. It’s about making mistakes, trying again, and discovering something new. The horchata latte fits that perfectly. It’s not just a drink—it’s a reminder that delicious things often come from the most unexpected pairings. And once you try it, I think you’ll see why it’s stayed in my rotation ever since.
Ingredients & Preparation
Gathering what you need for a horchata latte
Start by checking that all your ingredients are ready to go. The recipe has three simple parts: homemade horchata, strong espresso, and ice. If you’re pressed for time, you can use store-bought horchata, but making your own brings a freshness that’s hard to beat. For the horchata, you’ll soak rice with cinnamon, blend it smooth, then sweeten it with simple syrup. Once chilled, it becomes the creamy base for your drink. You’ll also want a strong shot of espresso—brewed fresh—for the richest flavor.
Step-by-step: How to make the perfect horchata latte
Step 1:
Make the simple syrup first. Pour 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Heat over medium, stirring until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Step 2:
Thoroughly rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice, then transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add 1 ounce of cinnamon bark (canela) and 6 cups of water. Let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 3:
After soaking, transfer the rice and cinnamon mixture to a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Then, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher.
Step 4:
Stir in ¾ cup of the cooled simple syrup into the strained horchata. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Chill the horchata for at least an hour before using.
Step 5:
To assemble your horchata latte, fill a glass with ice, pour in 4 oz of chilled horchata, and top with 2 oz of freshly brewed espresso. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Notes & Nutritional Information
How to get the best flavor out of your horchata latte
Making a great horchata latte starts with small decisions. Soaking the rice and cinnamon overnight gives you a deeper, creamier flavor that you won’t get with just a few hours. Also, make sure to use Ceylon cinnamon bark if you can find it. It’s milder and sweeter than the typical cassia sticks found in most stores.
Your espresso also matters. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a stovetop Moka pot or very strong brewed coffee. Cold brew concentrate can also work in a pinch, especially if you want a less acidic finish. And don’t skip chilling your horchata—warm rice milk mixed with ice will dilute too fast and ruin the texture.
You can adjust the ratio of horchata to espresso to match your taste. For a creamier drink, use more horchata. For something bold and coffee-forward, go heavier on the espresso. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, reduce the simple syrup or substitute with a sugar-free version.
Nutritional breakdown of a homemade horchata latte
This drink is naturally dairy-free, and depending on the sweetener you use, it can be adjusted for different dietary needs. Here’s a general idea of what one 6 oz glass includes when made with regular simple syrup:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 1g |
Tips & Serving Suggestions
How to customize your horchata latte
You can easily adjust the classic horchata latte to suit your taste or dietary needs. To make it creamier, try using almond or oat milk versions of horchata instead of the traditional kind. If you prefer a warmer drink, simply heat the horchata gently before adding espresso—just don’t boil it, or it might curdle. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top gives a lovely aromatic finish. For extra sweetness, drizzle a little more simple syrup or use flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel. Adjusting how strong your espresso is will shift the flavor, ranging from a gentle, mellow taste to a rich, intense boldness.
Best ways to serve and enjoy your horchata latte
Serve your horchata latte over plenty of ice on a hot day for a refreshing pick-me-up. Use a tall glass to keep it chilled longer. For a cozy winter version, serve it warm in a ceramic mug with a cinnamon stick stirrer. Pair the drink with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or almond biscotti to complement the flavors. It’s also perfect alongside light breakfasts such as oatmeal or fruit salad. If you want to impress guests, try layering the espresso on top for a beautiful two-tone effect before stirring. No matter how you serve it, this drink invites you to savor both comfort and caffeine in every sip.
Conclusion
The horchata latte is more than just a delicious drink—it’s a simple way to blend comforting traditions with bold coffee flavor. With just a few everyday ingredients like rice, cinnamon, and espresso, you can create a refreshing beverage that’s perfect any time of year. Whether you prefer it iced for a hot afternoon or warm on a chilly morning, this latte offers a balance of creamy sweetness and rich caffeine that’s hard to resist. I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in your kitchen and enjoy the cozy satisfaction that comes with every sip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is horchata latte made of?
A horchata latte blends classic horchata, which is a sweet rice milk infused with cinnamon, together with a shot of robust espresso. It typically includes horchata made from soaked rice, cinnamon bark, water, and simple syrup, mixed with freshly brewed espresso and served over ice or warm, depending on your preference.
Does Starbucks have a horchata latte?
Starbucks does not offer a traditional horchata latte on its regular menu. However, some locations may feature seasonal or regional variations inspired by horchata flavors. You can always customize drinks by adding cinnamon and sweetened milk to espresso for a similar taste.
Can I mix horchata and coffee?
Yes! Mixing horchata and coffee creates a delicious, creamy beverage known as a horchata latte. The sweetness and spice of horchata balance perfectly with the boldness of coffee, making it a refreshing and comforting drink.
What is in a Peet’s horchata latte?
Peet’s version of the horchata latte usually combines their rich espresso with a horchata-style milk blend, featuring cinnamon and sugar flavors. While exact recipes vary, it maintains the classic balance of creamy sweetness and bold coffee.