Are you looking for the best winter cocktail? This almond coconut milk cocktail is the perfect drink to serve on Christmas Eve or during your holiday celebrations! The coconut, almond and vanilla flavors are incredibly well balanced and make it an absolute hit among crowds! Serve it over ice for best taste.
This coconut drink combines warm flavors like almond, vanilla and cinnamon. It's much richer than cocktails made with coconut-flavored alcohol. It's also a great alternative to the classic Piña Colada (using pineapple juice) and the famous white Russian (made with coffee liqueur).
If you like coconut drinks, you may want to try this refreshing coconut water cocktail using white rum and fresh lime juice.
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Amaretto 1-0-1
Amaretto is a sweet Italian almond liqueur that originates from the Sarona region of Italy. Hence the name Disaronno of one of the most popular Amaretto brands.
It has a distinct bitter almond flavor. The liqueur in itself is however not necessarily bitter, it's even slightly sweet.
Amaretto can be made from almonds, bitter almonds, apricot kernels or even peach stones. They all contain the compound benzaldehyde which is responsible for the almond-like flavor of the Amaretto.
You can drink Amaretto on its own or use it in cocktails, such as this coconut milk drink or an Amaretto Piña Colada. Some people also like to spike their coffee with a little almond liqueur.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Amaretto gives this cocktail its delicate almond flavor.
- Coconut milk is the star of the show! It's rich, creamy and super flavorful. Read our tips below to choose the right coconut milk for this cocktail.
- Plant-based milk breaks the coconut flavor to prevent it from being overpowering. I love using almond milk or vanilla soy milk. You can use regular milk if not vegan.
- Vanilla extract adds a hint of vanilla that is absolutely marvelous.
- Simple syrup slightly sweetens the drink. You can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Omit if you're plant-based drink of choice is already sweetened. You can also use homemade cinnamon simple syrup.
- Cinnamon makes the perfect garnish and adds a nice finishing note.
Which coconut milk to use?
- Carton coconut milk is my favorite choice as it usually has the right consistency. It should be thicker than regular milk but still liquid (not like coconut cream).
- Canned coconut milk is a good option if stored at room temperature and stirred well before using. You need to make sure to mix the coconut cream with the coconut water, as they often separate in the can. However, the thickness of the milk of canned coconut milk varies drastically from brand to brand, which is why I find coconut milk in the carton more reliable in terms of consistency.
- Light coconut milk is not a good choice as it doesn't provide the creaminess and richness of full-fat coconut milk.
- Cream of coconut is not an option either as it's way too thick for this cocktail.
Elo's tips
- Don't skip the shaking process. Since the Amaretto and coconut milk are most probably not cooled, you need to shake them with ice to cool the drink. It also aerates the cocktail and creates a light foam that you will love.
- Use a Mason jar if you don't have a cocktail shaker.
- If your cocktail is chunky from the coconut milk, simply blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
- Serve the coconut milk cocktail with a scoop of homemade banana ice cream (no ice cream maker needed for this recipe).
Step-by-step instructions
STEP 1: Pour the Amaretto, vanilla extract and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker or Mason jar with lots of ice.
STEP 2: Add in the coconut milk and plant-based milk. Shake energetically to cool and aerate the drink.
STEP 3: Fill a glass with 3-4 ice cubes. Pour the cocktail on top.
STEP 4: Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Watch the video!
Variation ideas
Coffee liqueur – replace the Amaretto with the same amount of coffee liqueur. Note that Kahlúa, one of the most popular brands of coffee liqueur is not 100% vegan as it's made with sugar from a facility that uses a bone char.
Triple sec – substitute half of the Amaretto with the orange liqueur of your choice (e.g., Cointreau). The almond, bitter orange and coconut milk go surprisingly well together!
Chocolate liqueur – also known as crème de cacao is another great alternative to Amaretto. You can drizzle the sides of your glass with chocolate syrup for a fancy look.
Virgin – omit the Amaretto and replace the simple syrup with almond simply syrup for a similar taste.
Frequently asked questions
According to Barnivore, the online directory of vegan liquors, the Disaronno Originale Amaretto is completely vegan.
In the US, you can find Amaretto at most liqueur stores. In Europe, you may even find it at your regular grocery store. Depending on the brand, they cost between 15 and 25$. If you want to indulge in a good almond liqueur, I recommend the classic Disaronno Originale.
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The recipe
Coconut Milk Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or Mason jar
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz (45 ml) Amaretto liqueur 3 tablespoons
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 oz (60 ml) full-fat coconut milk* 4 tablespoons
- 2 oz (60 ml) plant-based milk of choice 4 tablespoons
- 1 dash of cinnamon
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker or Mason jar with ice.
- Add in the Amaretto liqueur, simple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut milk and your plant-based milk of choice. Shake well to cool and aerate the drink.
- Fill a cocktail glass with 3-4 ice cubes. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Video
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk from the carton or a well-stirred can. Don't use light coconut milk as you'll lose the richness of the cocktail. Avoid coconut cream as its consistency is too thick.
- Plant-based milk breaks the coconut flavor to prevent it from being overpowering. I love using almond milk or vanilla soy milk. You can use regular milk if not vegan.
- You can substitute the simple syrup with maple syrup if you have some on hand. Omit if you're plant-based drink of choice is already sweetened.
- To make this cocktail alcohol-free omit the Amaretto and replace the simple syrup with almond simply syrup for a similar taste.
Nutrition
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