Refreshing Summer Roasted Almond Milk Drink (Print Version)
Light, nutty beverage combining roasted almonds with cream and vanilla. Served chilled over ice for summer refreshment.
# What You'll Need:
→ Roasted Almonds
01 - 3.5 ounces whole almonds
→ Base & Flavorings
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Creamy Finish
06 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
07 - Ice cubes
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
02 - Combine cooled roasted almonds, water, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender. Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until mixture becomes smooth and milky.
03 - Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag into a pitcher or jug, pressing firmly to extract all liquid. Discard or save almond pulp for another use.
04 - Stir heavy cream or coconut cream into the strained almond milk until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Refrigerate the almond milk for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
06 - Pour over ice in cold glasses. Garnish with roasted almond slivers or a dash of cinnamon if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The roasting step creates a depth that store bought almond milk can never touch
- It comes together faster than you can convince your friends you made something fancy
- The cream finish makes it feel indulgent while staying surprisingly light
02 -
- Hot almonds will turn your milk bitter and weird, so let them cool completely before blending
- Blending for less than 2 minutes leaves grit in the final drink, so be generous with the time
- The almond pulp left in your sieve can be dried and used in baking or added to oatmeal
03 -
- Soak the almonds in water for an hour before roasting if you want an even smoother extraction
- Add a pinch of cardamom along with the vanilla for an exotic twist nobody will expect