DIY Horchata Cold Brew vs. Keto Horchata Cold Brew: A Flavorful Comparison

If you’ve ever tried Peet’s Horchata Cold Brew, you know it’s the perfect balance of creamy, cinnamon-spiced horchata with bold, smooth cold brew coffee. But if you’re watching carbs, sugar, or calories, their version can add up quickly. The good news? You can make a Keto-friendly version at home that’s just as indulgent, with a fraction of the sugar.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• A copycat recipe of Peet’s Horchata Cold Brew

• A Keto-friendly alternative

• Ingredient explanations for each step

• Carb and calorie comparisons

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Peet’s Horchata Cold Brew Copycat

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

Horchata Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed) → Provides the traditional creamy body. Rice is the base of classic horchata.

• 2 ½ cups water → For soaking and blending the rice.

• 2 cups whole milk → Adds creaminess and richness; dairy sugar contributes to sweetness.

• ⅓ cup sugar → Classic horchata sweetness.

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon → Signature horchata flavor.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract → Enhances flavor and rounds out the spice notes.

• Pinch of salt → Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Coffee:

• 2 cups cold brew concentrate → Deep, smooth coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy horchata.

To Serve:

• Ice

• Ground cinnamon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Make the Horchata Base:

   • Blend the rice and water until the rice is broken down.

   • Let it sit for 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor extraction.

   • Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

   • Stir in milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Chill.

2. Assemble the Drink:

   • Fill glasses with ice.

   • Mix ½ cup horchata with ½ cup cold brew concentrate.

   • Garnish with cinnamon.

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Why Each Ingredient Matters

• Rice → Traditional horchata base; thickens the drink naturally.

• Milk → Smooths the texture and adds mouthfeel.

• Sugar → Sweetens and balances the coffee’s bitterness.

• Cinnamon & Vanilla → Signature horchata notes that create warmth and complexity.

• Cold Brew → Provides caffeine and deep chocolatey/roasted notes.

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Nutrition (per serving, approx)

• Calories: 220–250

• Carbs: 30–35g

• Sugar: 25–28g

• Fat: 6–8g

• Protein: 5–6g

Not bad for a treat—but sugar adds up fast, especially if you drink more than one.

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Keto Horchata Cold Brew

For those watching carbs or following a low-carb lifestyle, the Keto version swaps high-carb ingredients while keeping the creamy, cinnamon-forward flavor intact.

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

Horchata Base:

• ¼ cup blanched almonds or almond flour → Provides creaminess without rice carbs.

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk → Dairy-free, low-carb alternative.

• 2 Tbsp Keystone Pantry Allulose → Keto-friendly sweetener that mimics sugar.

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon → Classic horchata spice.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract → Adds depth and warmth.

• Pinch of salt → Enhances flavor.

Coffee:

• 2 cups cold brew concentrate → Same smooth, bold coffee flavor as the original.

To Serve:

• Ice

• Ground cinnamon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Make the Keto Horchata Base:

   • Blend almonds (or almond flour) with almond milk, cinnamon, allulose, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

   • Strain if you want a smoother texture (optional). Chill.

2. Assemble the Drink:

   • Fill glasses with ice.

   • Mix ½ cup keto horchata with ½ cup cold brew concentrate.

   • Garnish with cinnamon.

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Why Each Ingredient Matters

• Almonds/Almond Milk → Mimics creaminess without rice or sugar; keeps carbs low.

• Allulose → Sweetens without impacting blood sugar; tastes like sugar.

• Cinnamon & Vanilla → Maintain the traditional flavor profile.

• Cold Brew → Provides the same rich coffee flavor as the original.

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Nutrition (per serving, approx)

• Calories: 90–110

• Carbs: 2–3g (net carbs)

• Sugar: 0g

• Fat: 7–9g

• Protein: 2–3g

Massive reduction in sugar and carbs—almost 90% fewer carbs than the original!

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Side-by-Side Comparison

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Key Takeaways

• The copycat gives you the classic experience but is sugar-heavy.

• The Keto version drastically reduces sugar and carbs while keeping the creaminess and warm cinnamon notes.

• Both drinks let the coffee shine, but the Keto option is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or low-sugar lifestyle.