• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cooking With Elo
  • Recipes
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • E-book
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • E-book
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Drinks

    Coconut Milk Cocktail

    September 22, 2022 by cookingwithelo Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    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.

    Two milky cocktails garnished with two cinnamon sticks on a wooden board.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Amaretto 1-0-1
    • Key ingredients and substitutions
    • Which coconut milk to use?
    • Elo's tips
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Watch the video!
    • Variation ideas
    • Frequently asked questions
    • The recipe

    Amaretto 1-0-1

    What is Amaretto?

    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.

    What does Amaretto taste like?

    It has a distinct bitter almond flavor. The liqueur in itself is however not necessarily bitter, it's even slightly sweet.

    What is Amaretto made of?

    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.

    How do you drink 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

    Ingredients for an Amaretto coconut milk cocktail with descriptive labels.
    • 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

    1. 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.
    2. Use a Mason jar if you don't have a cocktail shaker.
    3. If your cocktail is chunky from the coconut milk, simply blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
    4. 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.

    White cocktail in a glass cocktail shaker on a wooden board.

    STEP 2: Add in the coconut milk and plant-based milk. Shake energetically to cool and aerate the drink.

    Hand pouring a white liquid from a cocktail shaker into a small glass.

    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.

    Two coconut milk cocktails with a cinnamon stick in it on a wooden board. Christmas lights in the background.

    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

    Is Amaretto vegan?

    According to Barnivore, the online directory of vegan liquors, the Disaronno Originale Amaretto is completely vegan.

    Where can you buy Amaretto?

    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.

    Don’t forget to join the Cooking With Elo newsletter. You’ll get gluten-free and vegan dinner ideas sent right to your inbox.

    The recipe

    Coconut milk cocktail in a small glass jar garnished with a dash of cinnamon and two cinnamon sticks.

    Coconut Milk Cocktail

    4.12 from 9 votes
    This almond coconut milk cocktail is the perfect drink to serve on Christmas Eve. It's made with Amaretto, vodka and a dash of cinnamon.
    Print Pin
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Eloïse Jennes

    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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. To make this cocktail alcohol-free omit the Amaretto and replace the simple syrup with almond simply syrup for a similar taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g
    Leave a rating and comment below! Thank you!Don't forget to mention @cookingwithelo on social media

    More cocktail recipes

    • Translucent cocktail garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and lime slices on a white marble board.
      Caribeño Cocktail – Rum With Coconut Water
    • apple cider cocktail with whisky and cinnamon
      Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail With Jack Daniel's Fire
    • Ribbed glass cup filled with hot wine, orange slices and two cinnamon sticks.
      Hot German Wine (Glühwein)
    • Martini Fiero Spritz in a stemmed wine glass garnished with two orange slices and a sprig of fresh thyme.
      Martini Fiero Spritz

    Loved it? Please rate it!

    If you tried this recipe or any other recipe from the blog, make sure to let us know how you liked it by leaving a star rating and a comment below! Your feedback really matters! To never miss a recipe, follow me on Instragram, Pinterest and Facebook.

    Discover more recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Easy Dinners
    • Healthy Snacks

    More Drinks

    • Hot chocolate in a speckled cup topped with two golden toasted marshmallows.
      Alcoholic Hot Chocolate With Liquor
    • Lavender flavored latte in a ribbed glass cup with milk foam and topped with lavender buds.
      Lavender Syrup Coffee
    • Glass cup with hot chocolate and an antique spoon on a white marble background.
      Delicious Hot Chocolate With Water (No Milk)
    • Yellow drink with lots of crushed ice, garnished with two slices of ginger root in a low-rise glass.
      Lemony Cocktail With Ginger Syrup

    This site contains affiliate links which means that I may receive a commission if you purchase through that link, at no extra cost to you. However, please know that I only provide links to products that I actually use and wholeheartedly recommend! Please read out full disclosure here.

    Reader Interactions

    Did you like this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elo-portrait

    Hi, I'm Elo!
    My goal is to make vegan and gluten-free cooking easy and enjoyable. I provide simple recipes to help you meal prep according to your dietary restrictions and hope some of them will make the list of your all-time favorites!

    More about me →

    Popular Vegan & GF Dinners

    • Grey ceramic plate with twisted linguine covered with green basil pesto.
      Pasta Al Pesto (Linguine With Basil Pesto)
    • Galette bretonne on a plate.
      3-Ingredient Buckwheat Galettes
    • Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad
      Easy Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
    • Shallow white plate of spaghetti with lentil sauce on a beige background.
      30-Minute Vegan Lentil Bolognese

    10-Minute Snacks E-book

    Sign up here to receive the most epic no-bake snack recipes that you can make within 10 minutes!

    Popular Vegan & GF Desserts

    • Aquafaba chocolate mousse texture.
      Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse
    • Two scoops of frozen yogurt made with an ice cream maker in a small glass bowl.
      Frozen Yogurt Recipe (With Ice Cream Maker)
    • Baked cherry crisp where a spoonful is missing.
      Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp
    • Vegan Chocolate Truffles Without Cream

    How to support Cooking With Elo

    If you like my recipes, here are 4 easy ways to support me and my food blog:

    1. Leave a star rating and a comment under recipes you tried and loved.
    2. Share your favorite recipes with friends that are on a vegan and/or gluten-free diet.
    3. Sign up for the newsletter to be the first one to know about new recipes.
    4. Follow along on Instagram, I'd love to connect personally!

    Your support means the world and allows me to continue providing free recipes with you every week!

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    • Recipe Index
    • About Elo
    • Privacy Policy
    • Nutrition Disclaimer
    • Copyright
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2023 Cooking With Elo. All rights reserved.