This Classic Mexican Drink Tastes 10x Better With A Fall-Inspired Makeover

Fall is the time of the year when we look for warm, familiar comfort to combat the crisp chill of the season, and nothing feels like a better remedy than pumpkin spice. People add the sweet flavoring to lattes, pies, cheesecakes, and many more desserts that are even better with a pumpkin spice twist. We thought we'd seen it all, but there's a sneaky drink that we might have been overlooking: horchata.

This classic drink, which is popular in Mexican cuisine, is usually made up of rice (soaked in water), milk, cinnamon, and sugar, and it's characterized by its refreshing flavor. The taste is subtle, with a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with a spicy meal to drown out the dish's fiery sensation. You can easily transform it into a fall drink by adding canned pureed pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the recipe. The autumnal, spice-forward character complements the drink's creaminess for a warmer and more relaxing sip. We can imagine snuggling with a good book and being wrapped in a cozy blanket while enjoying the drink, or sharing it on the table with loved ones during Thanksgiving.

Some people have likened horchata itself to pumpkin spice, and while that's debatable, the similarity in taste might be one of the reasons why this fall-inspired makeover works, allowing both ingredients to mesh effortlessly together. It's a fun drink with an easy recipe, so you can make it a dinner spread staple for all your future gatherings.

There are a few variations in prep methods to make horchata, but no matter how you make it, one thing is true across the board: It's all about the rice. Long-grain white rice is usually the top choice because it creates a smooth finish that feels good when enjoyed as a drink. Jasmine rice is popular, but Basmati rice also works, and it can even give you a stronger and creamier horchata. You just soak the raw rice for around three hours together with cinnamon sticks so that the liquid absorbs its warm notes. Some recipes suggest leaving the soaked concoction in the fridge overnight, and you can try that out as well if you'd like. If you're in a hurry to enjoy a glass, you can use hot water so the rice comes out tender in just an hour or two.

Here comes the fun part: tossing in all the other ingredients together into a blender. This includes the bowl you left to soak, as well as canned pureed pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to get that autumnal flavor. (If you want a little shortcut, you can also make pumpkin spice syrup at home — Bobby Flay has a good recipe for it.) Sugar works as a sweet addition, but if you want a more layered sweetness and a creamier finish, many evaporated and condensed milk to really seal the deal. Vanilla extract is sometimes added to the party, which you might enjoy as a finishing touch — but not before straining all the bits and pieces so you can fully enjoy the creaminess of your drink.