Open up our refrigerator and you’ll find just about every kind of milk – whole, 2%, almond, rice and coconut milk. It’s crazy! Everyone has a different preference and for some reason I keep buying them all. My pediatrician gives me a mini lecture every visit because the kids don’t drink much cow’s milk.
I’m sure there are a bazillion opinions on this, but I’m lactose intolerant so I fully admit I’m biased. I grew up not drinking cow’s milk (neither of my parents could tolerate it either) and somehow managed to survive. The doctor’s response? “Well, I hope you’ll be okay.” Um, so far so good!
So for now, our fridge is stocked with a million different milk options. Whatever kind you want with your Golden Grahams, we’ve got it. Occasionally we get crazy and combine the milks (mainly because I never know what to do with open cans of coconut milk other than make fruit popsicles).
And guess what, rice milk horchata combined with coconut milk makes a super yummy milkshake! Anytime you can call a drink a “milkshake” it’s a hit with the kids, so this recipe has been in heavy rotation as of late.
Cinnamon Horchata Milkshake Recipe
This cinnamon horchata milkshake is perfect for vegan or dairy-free diets. And while we love serving it ice cold (because milkshake!), you could modify the recipe for a cozier, fall-worthy warm drink.
Top with a cinnamon stick and it will look super festive, too! Scroll down to get the easy recipe:
Cinnamon Horchata Milkshake
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened plain rice milk if you happen to have sweetened rice milk, just add less sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring rice milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks and almond extract to simmer over medium. Gently simmer until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Refrigerate 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Combine chilled rice mixture, coconut milk and ice in blender. Blend until frothy and then pour into glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Oh that sounds fabulous. We drink moo cow milk but I love coconut milk for jazzing up rice, etc.
Beautiful pics! Makes me wanna try it for sure.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not drinking cow’s milk (whether you’re lactose intolerant or not). It’s made for baby COWS, not humans. You’d think a doctor would understand that 😉 We’re one of the only species that drinks milk beyond infancy, and also one of the only species that drinks another animal’s milk (kitties don’t count cuz they’re lactose intolerant too :p).
Anyway, hah, your recipe sounds tasty. Hopefully I can find me some almond extract, though I think I’m probably out.
That’s exactly right! Go get that almond extract and enjoy 🙂
Oh my goodness why have I never thought to use coconut milk in a milkshake/smoothie. How delicious!
I would love one too!
I am by no means an expert, but considering that something like 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, I think that your kids are going to be just fine if they don’t drink cow’s milk. Anyway, this sounds delicious and I’ll definitely need to pick up some things to make this soon!
Just made this and I am in love! Thank you so much – really delicious!!!
So glad to hear that! I’ve been making these milkshakes too often after discovering the recipe 🙂
This recipe looks great! Here in Central America, most people love their horchata. My little girl is nearing 2 years old, and until I recently weaned her, she hadn’t had milk. She now drinks cow’s milk, mostly because we can’t afford the other types. So far, so good!
i DEFINITELY want to make this….
Cow’s milk is for their calves, not for humans. Thanks for a great recipe!
There are so many options, other than just alternative milks, for people with lactose intolerance. I swear my mom once told me her family kept a nanny goat for one ofthe kids that couldn’t drink cow’s milk. I personally use lactose free milk that I buy in the grocery store. The name brand is made by the same company that makes the pills and chewable tablets for when nothing but cheese cake or ice cream will do! Ask personally, there are at least three types of alternative milks (almond, cashew, and soy) that my body refuses to have any part in. And trying to force it on my body really doesn’t work well, no matter how much I want the nut ones. Strangely enough, I can eat peanuts and walnuts all day long, if I wanted to. But alas, almonds, cashews and pecans (which so far give me no issues) are the ones I want!! And since rice and coconut milks have yet to bother me, I guess I’ll be buying some new items on my next grocery store run!