Ingredients

3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice2 cups blanched almonds1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest4 cups hot water1 cup sugar1 cup cold waterGround cinnamon, optionalLime slices, optional

Preparation

Place rice in a blender; cover and process 2-3 minutes or until very fine. Transfer to a large bowl; add almonds, cinnamon stick, lime zest and hot water. Let stand, covered, at room temperature 8 hours.

Discard cinnamon stick. Transfer rice mixture to a blender; cover and process 3-4 minutes or until smooth. Add sugar; process until sugar is dissolved.

Place a strainer over a pitcher; line with double-layered cheesecloth. Pour rice mixture over cheesecloth; using a ladle, press mixture through strainer.

Stir in cold water. Serve over ice. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with lime and additional cinnamon sticks.