Leaves of Gold Horchata

Yield's about a half-gallon.

• 1 and 1/3 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
• 5 cups water
• 2/3 cup milk or dairy alternative
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/3 cup Leaves of Gold syrup (more or less to taste)

Place rice, two cups of water and the cinnamon sticks in a blender and blend until the rice and cinnamon are roughly ground. Add the remaining water and blend thoroughly. Pour into a pitcher or bowl, cover and place in the refrigerator to soak at least 5 hours (overnight is best). Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Add milk or milk alternative, vanilla extract and Leaves of Gold. Stir well and serve over ice.