Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 2 cinnamon sticks, preferably Mexican canela
- 8 cups water, divided
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice as needed
Method
- Rinse the rice, then soak it with the almonds and broken cinnamon sticks in 4 cups hot water, covered, for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Blend everything, soaking water included, on high until as smooth as possible, about 2 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth, squeezing out all the liquid.
- Stir in the remaining 4 cups water, the sugar and vanilla until the sugar dissolves.
- Chill, and stir well before pouring over ice.
Notes
The rice settles, so stir the pitcher or dispenser before every pour.
Some families add a splash of evaporated milk for a richer cup.