How to Make a Horchata Cold Brew at Home: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Quick Answer

To make horchata cold brew at home, combine cold brew concentrate with a cinnamon-rice or cinnamon-oat milk base, sweeten to taste, and serve over ice. For a shortcut, use a ready-made horchata cold brew like Stumptown's Horchata Cold Brew with Oatly to see the flavor profile you're aiming for.

Horchata cold brew is the creamy, spiced coffee drink that tastes like summer in a glass. It blends the bold, smooth notes of cold brew with the sweet, cinnamon-kissed flavor of traditional horchata. The best part? You can make it at home with just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment.

This guide walks you through a simple, dairy-free version using oat milk and cold brew concentrate. You'll learn how to build layers of flavor, avoid a watery or overly sweet drink, and adjust the recipe to your taste. Whether you're a cold brew regular or new to horchata, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable.

What Is Horchata Cold Brew?

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla, with a milky, sweet flavor. When you add cold brew coffee, you get a refreshing beverage that balances the coffee's natural chocolate and citrus notes with warm spice and creaminess. The result is less acidic than a typical iced coffee and more indulgent than plain cold brew.

For a dairy-free version, oat milk is a great choice because it's naturally sweet and has a creamy texture that mimics traditional horchata. You can also use almond milk or a homemade rice milk if you prefer. The key is to start with a strong cold brew concentrate so the coffee flavor doesn't get lost in the milk and spice.

• Use a cold brew concentrate, not ready-to-drink cold brew, for a bolder flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste—horchata is traditionally sweet, but you can dial it back.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make one serving of horchata cold brew, gather: 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate, 1/2 cup oat milk (or your favorite dairy-free milk), 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or simple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. For a more authentic horchata flavor, you can steep cinnamon sticks in the milk overnight, but ground cinnamon works well for a quick version.

If you want to skip the homemade concentrate, you can use a ready-made horchata cold brew like Stumptown's Horchata Cold Brew with Oatly. It's a convenient option that already has the perfect balance of cold brew, oat milk, and spices. But making your own lets you control the sweetness and strength.

• For a richer horchata, use a blend of oat milk and a splash of coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and balance sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by filling a glass with ice. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cold brew concentrate, oat milk, sweetener, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference.

Pour the mixture over the ice and give it a quick stir. If you like a layered look, pour the milk mixture first, then slowly add the cold brew concentrate on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a café-style finish.

• For a frothier texture, shake the mixture in a sealed jar before pouring.
• If you prefer a hotter drink, warm the milk mixture before adding the cold brew.

Tips for the Best Horchata Cold Brew

The quality of your cold brew matters. Using a high-quality, freshly ground coffee like Stumptown's Hair Bender can elevate the drink with its notes of citrus, dark chocolate, and raisin. These flavors complement the cinnamon and sweetness of horchata without being overpowered.

Another tip: don't skip the salt. A tiny pinch brightens the flavors and rounds out the sweetness, making the drink taste more balanced. If you're using a sweetened oat milk, you may want to reduce the added sweetener to avoid an overly sugary drink.

For a more authentic horchata, you can make a rice milk base by blending cooked rice with water, cinnamon, and vanilla, then straining it. This takes more time but yields a traditional flavor that pairs beautifully with cold brew.

• Experiment with different milks—oat, almond, or a blend—to find your favorite texture.
• Make a big batch for the week by mixing a larger quantity and storing it in the fridge.

Recipe Steps at a Glance

1. Brew or buy cold brew concentrate: Use a strong cold brew concentrate as the base. If you're making it from scratch, use a coarse grind and steep for 12-24 hours. Or use a ready-made bottle for convenience. Check the strength: it should be bold enough to stand up to milk and ice.
2. Mix the horchata base: In a glass, combine oat milk, sweetener, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or shake until the sweetener dissolves and the spice is evenly distributed. Taste the base alone—it should be sweet and spiced, but not overpowering.
3. Combine and serve over ice: Fill a glass with ice, pour the horchata base, then add the cold brew concentrate. Stir gently to combine, or leave it layered for looks. If the drink tastes too watery, add more concentrate; if too bitter, add a touch more sweetener.

Products to Enhance Your Horchata Cold Brew

• Horchata Cold Brew with Oatly: A little sweet and a little spicy with a touch of swagger brought to you by cold brew, plant-based Oatly oatmilk, and warming spices. If you want a ready-made horchata cold brew, this is the benchmark. It shows you the ideal balance of sweetness and spice, and it's a great option for busy days when you don't want to mix your own.
• Hair Bender: Featuring notes of citrus, dark chocolate, and raisin that shine across every brew method. Using a coffee with these flavor notes in your homemade cold brew adds complexity that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and sweetener, making your horchata cold brew taste more sophisticated.

Making horchata cold brew at home is simple, customizable, and perfect for warm days or a cozy treat. With a few pantry staples and a good cold brew concentrate, you can recreate the café favorite in minutes. Experiment with different milks and spices to make it your own, and don't forget to enjoy the process.