Méx-O-Logy – Hardcore Horchata Recipe

*Horchata, with a kick. VL

By Brenda Storch, La Vitamina T

Horchata, a delicious Mexican rice drink is one of my favorite beverages. Masa Azul’s executive chef Jonathan Zaragoza, surprises us with a cocktail inspired in this drink. This is definitely horchata for adults.

What a way to take summer into fall!

Hardcore Horchata

• 8 cups of water, divided
• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 stick of Mexican cinnamon
• ½ cup of sugar, or to taste
• ½ cup Jim Beam Hardcore Cider

Working in batches, combine the rice, cinnamon and 4 cups of water in a blender, pulsing to grind the rice and cinnamon. Transfer the rice/cinnamon mixture to a bowl and add remaining 4 cups of water. Soak overnight. Puree the rice mixture, again and strain through a fine meshed strainer or cheesecloth. Mix in sugar and Jim Beam Hardcore Cider and chill. Serve over ice with a cinnamon stick as garnish.

Appointed Executive Chef at Logan Square’s Masa Azul since 2012, the Chicago native taps into his Jalisco roots to bring to life Mexican-inspired dishes with a creative twist. This recipe is the second of a series. 

La Vitamina T was invited to an event sponsored by Red Stag by Jim Beam® Hardcore Cider and received free samples of food, pairings and product. The decision to write this review, as well as all opinions, are our own.

This article was originally published in La Vitamina T.