Nicaraguan Fresco de Cacao is a classic Nicaraguan beverage made with toasted cacao beans, milk, rice, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Nicaraguan
Keyword: Chocolate, Drinks, Nica Food
Servings: 12
Author: Jonathan Melendez
Equipment
Skillet
Blender
Strainer
Ingredients
1/2cuplong grain rice
3ouncescacao beans
2cinnamon sticksbroken in half
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2cupgranulated sugarmore or less depending on your taste
1/2gallonwhole milkor 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!