Ube Horchata: The Purple Drinking Goodness
Ube horchata is a creative fusion of flavors, combining the vibrant purple yam known as ube with the traditional Mexican drink called horchata. This delightful concoction marries the earthy sweetness of ube with the creamy, spiced richness of horchata, resulting in a unique and visually appealing beverage.
What is Ube
Ube, also known as purple yam, is a root vegetable commonly found in Filipino cuisine. It’s known for its naturally vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor. Ube is often used in desserts, cakes, ice creams, and other sweet treats, adding both taste and a beautiful hue to dishes.
What is Horchata
Horchata is a traditional beverage that originates from Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Spain. It’s typically made from rice or other grains, combined with water, sweeteners like sugar or condensed milk, and flavored with ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes nuts like almonds.
What is Ube Horchata
Ube horchata takes the concept of horchata and adds a unique twist by incorporating ube. The result is a visually stunning and flavorful drink that blends the earthy sweetness of ube with the familiar spices and creaminess of horchata.
Ingredients in Ube Horchata
The exact ingredients for ube horchata may vary based on personal preferences and regional adaptations, but the core components usually include:
- Ube or purple yam: Provides the distinct color and flavor.
- Rice: Often used as the base ingredient for horchata, contributing to the creamy texture.
- Water: Used for soaking the rice and blending the drink.
- Sweeteners: Sugar, condensed milk, or other sweeteners to balance the flavors.
- Spices and flavorings: Cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes nutmeg for the classic horchata taste.
- Milk or milk alternatives: Adds richness and creaminess to the drink.
- Ice: To serve the drink cold and refreshing.
Making Ube Horchata
Here’s a general outline of how to make ube horchata:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 4 cups of water (for soaking) + more for blending
- 1 cup of cooked and mashed ube or ube jam
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of condensed milk (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup of milk or milk alternative
- Ice cubes
- Ube extract or purple food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
Steps:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it with water, and let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked rice, then blend it with 4 cups of water until you have a smooth mixture.
- Strain the rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to extract the liquid. Discard the rice solids.
- In a pitcher, combine the strained rice liquid, cooked and mashed ube, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar, and condensed milk. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the milk or milk alternative and mix again. Adjust the sweetness and thickness according to your preference by adding more sugar, condensed milk, or milk.
- If desired, add a few drops of ube extract or purple food coloring to enhance the color of the drink.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
- Before serving, give the horchata a good stir. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled ube horchata over the ice.
- Optionally, you can garnish the drink with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of ube jam for extra flavor and visual appeal.
In Conclusion
Ube horchata is a creative and delicious fusion that highlights the beauty of culinary innovation. By combining the vibrant essence of ube with the comforting flavors of horchata, this beverage offers a unique sensory experience that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite dishes, ube horchata is a delightful way to explore new flavors and celebrate the art of culinary creativity.
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Ube Horchata Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp Ube extract
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbs Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
- 1½ tbsp Evaporated milk
- 1½ tbsp Condensed milk
- 2 tbsp Ube powder
- 2 Cup Ice cubes
- 3 Cup Rice milk
Instructions
- Add the rice milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract and sugar together in a container.
- Put them in your blender and blend until they're thoroughly mixed. Introduce the ice and continue blending until thoroughly mixed once again.
- Mix the ube extract and ube powder in a bowl.
- Then add the above mixture into the blender and resume blending till everything is thoroughly mixed.
- At this stage your ube horchata is ready to be served.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ube horchata last?
Ube horchata can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two to ensure the freshest taste and quality.
What can I do if I don’t have ube powder?
If you don’t have access to ube powder, you can still make ube horchata using other forms of ube, such as ube jam or even fresh ube. Cook and mash the fresh ube until smooth, or use ube jam for its concentrated flavor and color.
What is the flavor of ube?
Ube, also known as purple yam, has a distinct flavor that can be described as sweet and nutty, with hints of vanilla and a slight earthy undertone. It contributes a unique and delightful taste to dishes and beverages, including ube horchata.
