Horchata

Directions

1. 1
   Wash and drain the rice.
2. 2
   Using a spice grinder (an electric coffee grinder works well too), grind the rice until fine; combine with the almonds and cinnamon bark.
3. 3
   Add 3 1/2 cups water and let sit overnight, covered.
4. 4
   Blend rice mixture until smooth using a blender.
5. 5
   Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending.
6. 6
   Add sugar and vanilla extract.
7. 7
   Strain horchata into a bowl first using a metal strainer and then a double layer of cheesecloth; finish with up to an additional 2 cups of water until it achieves a milky consistency.
8. 8
   Serve cold or over ice.