Date Almond Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Date Almond Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing drink, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. This Date Almond Milkshake is my go-to – it’s unbelievably easy to make, packed with flavour, and seriously satisfying. I first made this when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to reach for anything too processed. It’s been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another milkshake. It’s a little bit of sunshine in a glass! It’s naturally sweet, creamy, and gives you a lovely energy boost thanks to the dates and almonds. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes – perfect for those busy days when you need a treat, fast. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can easily tweak it to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious milkshake:

• 15 dates, pitted and chopped (about 150g)
• 10 almonds (about 80g)
• 1 cup cold milk (240ml)
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, about 15ml)

Ingredient Notes

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

Dates: Variety & Sweetness

I prefer using Medjool dates for this recipe because they’re super soft and sweet. However, any variety will work – just make sure they’re pitted! If your dates are a little dry, soaking them for longer will help.

Almonds: Blanched vs. Unblanched

You can use either blanched or unblanched almonds. Blanched almonds (skins removed) will give you a smoother, lighter-coloured milkshake. I usually use unblanched because I don’t mind the slightly speckled look, and it saves a step!

Milk: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Options

Feel free to use any milk you like! Cow’s milk gives it a classic richness, but almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk work beautifully for a vegan version. I’ve tried it with all three, and they all taste amazing.

Honey: Natural Sweetener & Alternatives

The honey is optional, really. The dates provide plenty of sweetness on their own. If you do want a little extra, honey adds a lovely floral note. You could also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First things first, let’s soften those dates and almonds. Pop them into a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This makes blending so much easier.
2. Now, drain the water from the dates and almonds.
3. Add the soaked dates and almonds to your blender. Pour in the cold milk and water.
4. If you’re using honey, add it now.
5. Blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
6. Pour into tall glasses and enjoy immediately! Seriously, this is best when it’s fresh.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill your glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring for an extra frosty treat.
• Adjust the consistency: If the milkshake is too thick, add a splash more milk or water. If it’s too thin, add a few more dates or a handful of ice.
• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the milkshake warm. Blend just until smooth.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Date Almond Milkshake

Super simple! Just use your favourite plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut all work great).

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Good news – this recipe is naturally gluten-free! No adjustments needed.

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom Addition)

My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder (about ¼ tsp) to her milkshake. It adds a lovely warm, aromatic flavour. I’m a fan too!

Festival Adaptations (Ramadan/Summer Celebrations)

This milkshake is perfect for breaking your fast during Ramadan, or just enjoying during hot summer days. It’s a refreshing and nourishing treat.

Serving Suggestions

This milkshake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped almonds or a dusting of cinnamon.
• With a snack: Serve alongside some light biscuits or fruit.
• As a dessert: It’s a perfectly satisfying dessert after a light meal.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this milkshake is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you must store it, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this milkshake suitable for diabetics?

While dates are a natural source of sweetness, they do contain sugar. People with diabetes should consume this milkshake in moderation and monitor their blood sugar levels.

Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can soak the dates and almonds ahead of time to save a few minutes.

What if I don’t have dates? Can I use another sweetener?

You can try using other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but the flavour won’t be quite the same. You might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness.

Can I add any other fruits to this milkshake?

Absolutely! A few slices of banana or mango would be delicious.

How can I make a thicker milkshake?

Use frozen dates, add a scoop of ice cream (if you’re not vegan), or add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the blender.