The Haunted Horchata is a spooky twist on the classic horchata, a creamy, cinnamon-flavored rice milk drink with origins in Mexico. This version takes a more haunted approach, adding a splash of dark rum or spiced rum for a boozy kick. It’s perfect for Halloween parties or any eerie-themed gathering. With a dash of cinnamon and a ghostly appearance, this drink will cast a spell on your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice milk (or homemade horchata)
- 2 oz dark rum or spiced rum
- 1/2 oz vanilla syrup or simple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- Optional: black food coloring or activated charcoal (for a spooky, dark twist)
Directions
- Prepare the Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine the rice milk (or pre-made horchata), dark rum, vanilla syrup, and ground cinnamon.
- Add Ice & Shake: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain & Serve: Strain the drink into a glass filled with ice. For a spooky effect, add a drop of black food coloring or activated charcoal to darken the drink.
- Garnish: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. For extra Halloween flair, you can add a toy spider or bat decoration to the glass rim!
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 haunted cocktail
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic: Skip the rum for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic version of the Haunted Horchata.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice or a spoonful of pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired variation.
- Coconut Horchata: Swap the rice milk for coconut milk to give the drink a tropical flair.
FAQs
Can I make this in a large batch for parties?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix them in a large pitcher. Chill before serving, and don’t forget the spooky garnish!
What if I don’t have rice milk?
You can make your own horchata using rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. Or, use almond milk or regular milk as a substitute.
How do I make it even more spooky?
Consider serving the drink in a black glass or adding some eerie dry ice (handle with care) for that haunted, foggy look!
The Haunted Horchata is a delicious and festive drink, combining creamy sweetness with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of dark rum. It’s sure to be a ghostly hit at your next Halloween party!
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Haunted Horchata
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Haunted Horchata is a spooky take on traditional horchata with added dark flavors and colors, perfect for Halloween parties. This creamy rice-based drink is enhanced with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of black food coloring for a ghostly effect. It’s a deliciously eerie treat that’s easy to make and fun to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- Black food coloring (optional for spooky effect)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions
- Soak the rice: In a large bowl, combine the rice, cinnamon stick, and water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for better flavor.
- Blend the mixture: Remove the cinnamon stick. Transfer the rice and soaking water to a blender and blend until the rice is finely ground, about 1-2 minutes.
- Strain: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
- Sweeten and flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract, sugar, and milk. Add a few drops of black food coloring to give the horchata a spooky look.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill. Stir well before serving over ice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of each glass for a finishing touch. Enjoy your Haunted Horchata!
Notes
- Adjust sweetness: You can add more or less sugar to taste.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free option: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free.
- Serving ideas: For extra spookiness, serve with themed straws or in Halloween-decorated glasses.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 40mg