Place rice in a large bowl. Pour warm water over rice. Set aside an soak six hours or overnight. Pour into blender jar; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Return to blender, process again. Strain mixture into pitcher through a clean dampened dish towel or cheese cloth. Rinse blender, return mixture to blender; add sugar and vanilla. Process until combined. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over cracked ice.

Chocolate - Add 2 ounces grated Mexican chocolate to rice. Continue as directed above.

Strawberry - Prepare as directed above, adding 1 package (10 ounces) frozen strawberries with the sugar and vanilla. Continue as directed.

Cinnamon - Add 2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks to rice. After soaking remove cinnamon sticks and discard. Continue as directed above.

Reprinted with permission from Usa Rice Council Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias