Fresh Fig Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fresh Fig Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the Indian summer heat. And let me tell you, this Fresh Fig Milk is a total game-changer. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a trip to my grandmother’s village, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and has this amazing, unique flavor that just screams “summer.” Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average milk drink. Fig milk, or anjeer ka doodh as it’s sometimes called, is a delightful blend of sweet figs and cool milk. It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, it takes just 15 minutes! – and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the seasonal goodness of fresh figs. It’s a little bit different, a little bit special, and totally delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this lovely drink:

• 150 grams fresh figs
• 2 cups milk (approximately 475ml)
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or a little more, if you like!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because getting these right makes all the difference!

Figs: Selecting and Preparing Fresh Figs

Choosing the right figs is key. Look for figs that are slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. They should have a plump appearance and a deep color. Gently rinse the figs and chop them roughly – no need to be too precise! Removing the stems is optional, I usually do.

Milk: Full Fat vs. Low Fat – Which to Use?

Traditionally, this recipe is made with full-fat milk for that extra creamy texture. However, you can absolutely use low-fat or skim milk if you prefer. Just know that the drink won’t be quite as rich. I personally love the full-fat version for a real treat.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

The amount of sugar is really up to you! Figs themselves are naturally sweet, so start with 3 tablespoons and add more if needed. Taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Vanilla Extract: Enhancing the Flavor Profile

A little vanilla extract really elevates the flavor of this drink. It complements the figs beautifully. Don’t skip it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some fig milk!

1. First, rinse and chop about 150 grams of fresh figs.
2. Now, add the chopped figs, 1 cup (235ml) of chilled milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to your blender. Blend until everything is super smooth – you don’t want any fig chunks!
3. Pour in the remaining 1 cup (235ml) of cold milk and blend again until well combined.
4. And that’s it! Pour immediately into glasses and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If your fig milk is too thick, simply add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more chopped figs and blend again.

Preventing Bitterness – A Key Step

This is important! Figs can sometimes become slightly bitter if left to sit for too long. That’s why it’s crucial to serve this drink immediately after blending. Don’t refrigerate it or let it sit around.

Using Ripe Figs for Maximum Flavor

The riper the figs, the sweeter and more flavorful your milk will be. Don’t be afraid to use figs that are very soft – they’re perfect for this recipe!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Fig Milk (Using Plant-Based Milk)

My friend, who’s vegan, swears by using almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk. It works beautifully! The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious.

Adjusting Sugar Levels for Diabetics

You can easily make a sugar-free version using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Nutmeg

For a warmer, more aromatic flavor, try adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the blender. It’s especially lovely during the cooler months.

Summer Cooling Drink: Serving with Ice

While traditionally served without ice, a few ice cubes can make it even more refreshing on a scorching day. Just be mindful that the ice might dilute the flavor slightly.

Festival Adaptations: A Refreshing Option for Janmashtami

This drink is a wonderful offering during Janmashtami, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. It’s a light and sweet treat that’s perfect for the occasion.

Serving Suggestions

This fig milk is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A light breakfast of poha or upma.
• A plate of biscuits or cookies.
• Simply enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

Storage Instructions

Honestly? It’s best enjoyed immediately. As mentioned before, fig milk can become bitter if stored. If you absolutely must store it, you can refrigerate it for a maximum of 30 minutes, but the flavor and texture will be affected.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best way to choose ripe figs?

Look for figs that are slightly soft to the touch and have a plump appearance. They should also have a deep, rich color.

Can I use dried figs if fresh figs are unavailable?

You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. You’ll need to soak the dried figs in warm water for about 30 minutes before blending to soften them.

Why does fig milk sometimes taste bitter?

This happens when the figs sit for too long after blending. That’s why it’s so important to serve it immediately!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Unfortunately, no. It’s best to make it right before you want to drink it.

Is it possible to make a sugar-free version of this drink?

Absolutely! Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

What are the health benefits of drinking fig milk?

Figs are a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Milk provides calcium and protein. So, this drink is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Enjoy your homemade Fresh Fig Milk! I hope you love it as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy sipping!