Like Sarah Rae and her Orange Julius, I love a little refreshment after work or school, only my favorite drink right now is horchata. Until recently, this was basic, Mexican-style horchata with a blend of rice and water (and almonds, cinnamon, and sweetener) ... but then I discovered a version with coconut milk and am hooked. Plus, if you really need to unwind – or want to serve it at a party – you can spike it with rum!

Marilyn Tausend's recipe for Coconut-Rice Cooler, or Horchata de Coco, as shared on "Sara's Secrets" on Food Network, seemed a bit complicated at first glance. The directions are easy to follow, but since last year's horchata experiment, I had grown accustomed to a much simpler recipe and list of ingredients.

However, for something a little more special, the coconut version is outstanding. Between the blending and cooling, it takes a few more steps, but it's worth it, especially if you make up a big batch to keep chilled in the fridge. The coconut milk is creamy but not too rich, and the lime syrup adds a really nice dimension. The rum is up to you.

Give it a whirl:
• Coconut-Rice Cooler: Horchata de Coco (Food Network)

Related: Making Horchata: Which Rice Is Best?

(Image: Emily Ho)