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| Island Hone Almond Refresher |
Introduction
When I travel on the west side of Barbados, side by side the busy fishermen looming by the ocean, I was handed a tall glass of the award-winning honeyed almond drink. At that moment, summer was here. It was a drink that was faintly sweet and tasted of thin honeysuckle and was packed with nourishing ingredients. It was so good that I was taken blasted by how smooth it was. It was also something that was very easy to share and so the people that appreciated it would have fond memories together and bring them to gatherings. Replicating a simpler honey almond drink became very easy and a go-to summer refresher to hold during picnics by the market.
The drink can also be served for brunch and even as a very light and refreshing beverage for poolside's or BBQs. Regardless of how it refreshing it is, the Authentic Honey Almond Refresher is very easy to change based on preference. I will teach you how to make the Honey Almond Refresher that is very simple and quick for you to whip up whenever you please.
Ingredients
-150 g (about 1 cup) of raw or blanched almonds:- Warm water for soaking: 500 ml (2 cups)
-Cold water for blending: 600–900 ml (2.5–3.75 cups) — adjust for thickness
-Honey: 3 tbsp (45 ml) — more to taste (use maple syrup for vegan)
-Fresh lime juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml) — about half a lime
-Pinch of fine sea salt
-Vanilla extract (optional): 1/2 tsp (2–3 ml)
-Whole milk or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess): 100 ml (1/3–1/2 cup)
-Ice cubes, to serve
-Garnish: toasted almond flakes, a drizzle of honey, or a lime wheel
Preparation Steps
-Soak the almonds
Soak the almonds in a bowl and cover them with 500 ml (2 cups) of warm water. You can soak for 30-60 minutes, or put them in the fridge overnight for a creamier texture.
-Drain and rinse
Rinse the almonds and remove the soaking water. Soak them with cold water to remove surface bitterness and to refresh.
-Blend almonds with cold water
For a rich refresher, combine the drained almonds and 600 ml (2.5 cups) cold water in a blender.
For a lighter drink, use up to 900 ml (3.75 cups). Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, or until the drink is very smooth.
-Straining the almond milk
The mixture can be poured into a bowl or a pitcher and then a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag can be used. Squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible. Almond pulp can be used for baking or smoothies.
-Sweetening and flavoring
Mix 3 tbsp (45 ml) of honey, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla (if using) and stir. For a creamier mouthfeel, add 100 ml (1/3–1/2 cup) of milk or coconut milk. Adjust to taste.
-Chill and rest
The drink can be refreshed by refrigerating it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and marry. The drink can be stored for up to 3 days, but should be shaken before serving.
-Serve over ice and garnish
Take glasses filled with ice and pour the chilled Honey Almond Refresher into the glass. Top the drink with toasted almond flakes or a thin lime wheel and drink immediately.
Tips & Variations
-For a vegan alternative, honey can be replaced with either maple syrup or agave, and coconut or oat milk can be used in place of dairy.
-This--as well as the Easy Honey Almond Refresher--remains answerable for the plant based diet.
-Thinner or thicker: Blend with less water for a thicker drink or a creamier, almost smoothie-like consistency, or add soda water for some fizz.
-Pulp: Freshly made likeable almond smoothie. Dry and bake leftover almond pulp sprinkled with salt to make crackers and granola, then dry the energy balls to bake, or zero-waste muffin batter and more.
-As a case for balance, always taste after sweetening the mix. Honey varieties differ, so you want to start ‘modestly’ and add more as needed for your personal balance.
Closing
This drink is one of those wonderful, comforting drinks made with almond honey and a hint of the Caribbean, like celebrating the salt and sun.
The Authentic Honey Almond Refresher captures the ease of home and the breezy island of the Caribbean. Perfect with ice on warm afternoons, sprinkled around for brunch, or as a sipper for the chill of the evening. Alive with the Caribbean Spirit. Fun fact: This drink is a blend of almond and nut based drinks. Almond crackers and nut-based drinks are part of many different cultures. The Caribbean is one, using honey and the sweet touch of coconut. They serve this Traditional Honey Almond Refresher with the warm, unmistakable touch of sun. The Honey Almond Refresher Recipe was easy to make and even easier to drink! My favorite thing about summer is how easy it is to switch up drinks. Grab your blender and make your prefect drink tomorrow. You will love it! Let me know how you like this Honey Almond Refresher Recipe!