Creamy Apple Almond Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Apple Almond Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the summer heat. And honestly, this Creamy Apple Almond Milk is my go-to. It’s unbelievably easy to make, tastes like a treat, and is surprisingly healthy too! I first whipped this up last summer when I was craving something cool and comforting, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another milk drink. It’s a delightful blend of sweet apples, creamy almonds, and cool milk – perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert. It’s ready in under 10 minutes, requires minimal effort, and is incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy cooler:

• 2 apples
• 500 ml milk
• 1-2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• 5 almonds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Apples: Varieties & Sweetness

I prefer using sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for this recipe. They give the drink a lovely natural sweetness. But if you’re using a tart variety like Granny Smith, you might want to add a little extra sugar. Roughly 2 medium apples will give you about 300g of chopped fruit.

Almonds: Soaking & Alternatives (Almond Meal)

Soaking the almonds is key! It softens them, making them easier to blend and giving the milk a smoother, creamier texture. I usually soak mine for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight. Don’t have time to soak? You can use 2-3 tablespoons of almond meal instead – it works beautifully!

Milk: Dairy vs. Plant-Based Options

Feel free to use whatever milk you prefer! Traditional dairy milk works wonderfully, giving it a rich flavour. But almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are fantastic vegan alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavour profile, so experiment and see what you like best.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness & Natural Sweeteners

I usually use 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, but you can adjust this to your liking. If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. A little bit of dates blended in also works wonders!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic!

1. First, peel, core, and chop your apples into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they’ll blend.
2. Now, add the chopped apples, chilled milk (500ml), and sugar (1-2 tbsp) to a blender. Blend until everything is beautifully smooth.
3. Next, add your soaked almonds (or almond meal) and blend again. This is where the drink gets its lovely creamy texture, so blend until it’s perfectly smooth and there are no almond bits left.
4. Finally, pour into glasses, garnish with a few apple slices or a couple of ice cubes, and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Chill everything! Using chilled apples and milk makes the drink extra refreshing.
• Don’t over-blend. Over-blending can sometimes make the drink a little frothy.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the sugar to your preference.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This is already super easy to make vegan! Just swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk. Almond milk complements the almond flavour beautifully, but soy or oat milk work well too.

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom, Cinnamon)

Want to add a little warmth? A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon powder takes this drink to another level. My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of cardamom – it’s divine!

Festival Adaptation (Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami)

During festivals like Raksha Bandhan or Janmashtami, I like to add a tiny drop of rose water for a fragrant twist. It feels extra special and festive.

Gluten-Free

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

This drink is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• Serve with a side of biscuits or cookies.
• Pair it with a light snack like fruit salad or granola.
• For a more indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy!).

Storage Instructions

This drink is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that it might separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this drink best served immediately?

Yes, absolutely! It tastes freshest and has the best texture when served right away.

Can I use different types of apples?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties. Just keep in mind that tart apples might require a little extra sugar.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes, you can! A handful of berries or a slice of banana would be delicious additions.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You could try using a food processor, but a blender will give you the smoothest results. If you really don’t have either, you could grate the apple and mash the almonds very finely, then mix with the milk and sugar. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be tasty!

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can soak the almonds overnight to save time. You can also chop the apples and store them in the fridge for a few hours. But I recommend blending everything just before serving for the best flavour and texture.