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

1 1/2 cups cold horchata (recipe below). No horchata? No problem. Sub 1 cup unsweetened rice, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp almond butter
1 serving Vega Sport Performance Protein Vanilla
1 tsp maple syrup
Generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Ice

 

Directions

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:

Ingredients

3 cups warm water
2/3 cups basmati rice
2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
2 cups unsweetened rice milk (or almond milk)
Generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon

 

Directions

In a bowl pour warm water over rice. Drop in cinnamon sticks. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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).
Stir in maple syrup and milk. I recommend starting with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and slowly adding more if necessary.
Serve stirred and chilled — over ice with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, in smoothies, iced coffees or even use it for baking.
Store in the refrigerator with for up to three days and give it a good stir before drinking.

 

As originally posted on MyVega.com.