10ozstrawberries(washed, hulled, and cut into chunks)
1-12ozcan evaporated milk(read notes)
1cinnamon stick
1tspvanilla extract
½cupsugar(or any sweetener you prefer)
ice cubes(to serve)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water. Place it in a large bowl and add the cinnamon stick.
Add 4 cups of water and let it soak for at least 4 hours or better yet, overnight.
Add the soaked rice and cinnamon along with 2 cups of soaking water to a blender.
Blend it on high for 3-4 minutes.
Strain the liquid into a large pitcher and discard the leftover pulp. Add also the remaining soaking water.
Add ⅔ of the strawberries to the blender with 2 cups of water and blend until smooth. Strain into the pitcher.
Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir well until combined.
Add the remaining strawberries to the pitcher and adjust the sweetness to taste.
Fill some glasses with ice cubes and serve immediately.
Notes
You can also use other sweeteners instead of sugar, such as stevia, monk fruit, or honey.
Don't add ice to the pitcher with the horchata because it will dilute and become less flavored, instead, add the ice to glasses and serve as you go.
If strawberries are not in season, you can also use frozen strawberries to make this fresca. You don't even need to thaw them, just blend them with the other ingredients.
If you don't have cinnamon sticks, you can use grounded cinnamon. 1/2 tablespoon should be enough for this recipe.