Apricot Horchata {Made with Dried Apricots}

A delicious twist on the traditional horchata apricot horchata made with dried apricots, rice, cinnamon and vanilla is delicious.

This apricot horchata is a huge hit at Casita Gris, we simply love it! Creamy served over ice we make apricot horchata often for dinner, on the weekends or for family dinners.

Sometimes we add coconut to the mix, pumpkin puree works beautifully, and strawberries are a summer favorite. Today I want to share a delicious spin to horchata using dried apricots.

Dried apricots add a touch of sweetness to the horchata and adds a punch to the rice flavor.

I served my apricot horchata over plenty of ice, but it would be amazing served warm also.

Horchata (or-CHAH-tah) a classic agua fresca is a Mexican drink made of soaked rice or grains, or fruits flavored with spices. Blended until smooth, strained and served over ice. Horchata originated in Spain as a nut beverage, made from tiger nuts known as horchata de chufa. When horchata imported to the Americas, it transformed into the popular beverage known today as Mexico’s rice horchata made of rice, sugar, water, and spices.

In Mexico you can find horchata sold in roadsides stands selling agua fresca, served in restaurants and bottled versions in the grocery stores.

Here in South Texas horchata is widely popular in restaurants, sold at fruit cup stands, flea markets and in grocery stores in powdered form – add water and mix.

INGRIDENTS NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

dried apricots

water

sugar or sweetener of choice

cinnamon stick

rice

vanilla

TIPS ON STORING DRIED APRICOTS

Dried apricots should be stored in a cool, dry area.

After opening dried apricots, place apricots in a tightly sealed airtight container.

Apricots stored in a cool, dry space with keep for about 6 months. If you live in a humid area, like me in South Texas apricots can be stored in the fridge. Apricots stored in the fridge will keep for about 6 to 12 months.

You can freeze dried apricots in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen apricots will keep for about 18 months. To use thaw overnight in fridge before using.

HOW TO MAKE APRICOT HORCHATA

In a saucepan bring apricots, water, sugar and cinnamon stick to a boil, reduce heat and cook until the apricots are softened, and sugar has dissolved, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.

Meanwhile, soak the rice in 1 cup of water until the apricots have cooled completely, then strain the rice. Transfer the rice and fruit mixture to a blender and blend with 3 cups of water and the vanilla. Strain into a large serving pitcher, then mix in another 2 cups of water. Taste, and add more sugar if desired. Chill completely and serve over ice.

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Apricot Horchata {Made with Dried Apricots}

A delicious twist on the traditional horchata apricot horchata made with dried apricots, rice, cinnamon and vanilla is delicious.

Author: Vianney Rodriguez

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried apricots
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup sugar plus more to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup rice
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. In a saucepan bring apricots, water, sugar and cinnamon stick to a boil, reduce heat and cook until the apricots are softened, and sugar has dissolved, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, soak the rice in 1 cup of water until the apricots have cooled completely, then strain the rice. Transfer the rice and fruit mixture to a blender and blend with 3 cups of water and the vanilla. Strain into a large serving pitcher, then mix in another 2 cups of water. Taste, and add more sugar if desired. Chill completely and serve over ice.