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Nicaraguan Fresco de Cacao

A traditional Nicaraguan beverage made with toasted whole cacao beans, rice, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar and milk. Serve chilled over ice on a hot day! It's like a grown up, more robust flavored chocolate milk.
Servings 8 to 12 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup long grain rice
  • 3 ounces cacao beans
  • 2 cinnamon sticks broken in half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar depending on your taste
  • 1/2 gallon whole milk or any milk you'd like

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Place in a medium bowl and fill with enough cold water to completely cover the rice. Allow to soak for half an hour.
  • Meanwhile, place the cacao beans on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Allow to toast, stirring often, until the skins just begin to brown and the beans start giving off a faint crackling or popping sound, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Use your fingers to peel the beans and place in a blender. Drain the rice and add to the blender along with the cinnamon sticks, vanilla, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup of milk. Blend on high until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, to remove the grit. Use a spoon to press the mixture through the strainer. Stir in the remaining milk and give it a taste. Adjust sweetness accordingly, adding as much sugar as you'd like. Allow to chill until super cold. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite