Almond Horchata

Name: Almond Horchata
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1 cup blanched whole almonds; 1 2 cups boiling-hot water; 1 1/2- to 1-inch piece cinnamon stick; 1 1/3 cup sugar, or to taste; 1 Freshly grated zest of 1 lime; 1 2 cups ice plus additional for glasses; 1 Garnish if desired: cinnamon sticks and lime zest

From the kitchen of Carly

Silky almond horchata brightened with lime zest and warming cinnamon. This creamy, subtly sweet drink comes together in minutes, though it's even better made a day ahead. Perfectly chilled and garnished with a cinnamon stick, it's refreshing without being heavy.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

11 cup blanched whole almonds
12 cups boiling-hot water
11/2- to 1-inch piece cinnamon stick
11/3 cup sugar, or to taste
1Freshly grated zest of 1 lime
12 cups ice plus additional for glasses
1Garnish if desired: cinnamon sticks and lime zest

Instructions

In a blender combine all horchata ingredients except ice and let stand in blender 5 minutes. Blend mixture on low speed and gradually work up to high speed (use caution when blending hot liquids). Blend mixture on high speed 3 minutes. Add 2 cups ice and blend until melted.
Pour mixture through a large sieve lined with a double layer of dampened cheesecloth into a bowl, stirring, and discard solids.
Fill 4 tall glasses with additional ice and horchata and garnish with cinnamon sticks and lime zest. Flavor of horchata improves if made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.