Horchata Protein Shake

Are you ready to take your relationship with horchata to the next level? With its rice-based sweetness and cinnamon spice, this traditional drink is heavenly on its own. Add it to a smoothie and you’ll up the ante with more than 25 gram of protein. Your horchata is ready—are you?

Ingredients

1½ cups cold horchata (recipe below). No horchata? No problem. Sub 1 cup unsweetened rice milk, ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, ½ tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp almond butter
1 serving Vanilla Vega Sport® Performance Protein
1 tsp maple syrup
Generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Ice, as needed
Homemade Horchata Recipe:
3 cups warm water
⅔ cups basmati rice
2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla bean powder (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
2 cups unsweetened rice milk (or almond milk)
Generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon

Preparation

Blend it (blend it, blend it, with your hands up).

Optional: If you’re ready for it, I recommend blending all ingredients except the ice. Serve the mixture over ice, with a drizzle of vegan chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Homemade Horchata Recipe:
1. In a bowl pour warm water over rice. Drop in cinnamon sticks. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. The next day remove cinnamon sticks. Puree rice and water until smooth (I used a Vitamix and didn’t strain the mixture. You may choose to strain the mixture, depending on the power of your blender and your desired consistency).
3. Stir in maple syrup and milk. I recommend starting with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and slowly adding more if necessary.
4. Serve stirred and chilled — over ice with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, in smoothies, iced coffees or even use it for baking.
5. Store in the refrigerator with for up to three days and give it a good stir before drinking.