Summer Heat Driving You Nuts? Cool Off With Almond-Focused Mocktails
IN the last few decades, drinking cultures have witnessed lots of shifts that have meant a steady move for many spirit enthusiasts towards more conscious ways of liquor consumption. This has inevitably led mixologists to take a closer look at mocktails or non-alcoholic mixes as alternatives to choose from when you step out for a night of drinks and conversation. In fact, mocktails ought never to be undervalued – they pack so many vibrant ingredients and flavour pairings into their blends that these drinks become unexpectedly tasty offerings you can savour in lieu of spirit infused cocktails.
One ingredient which is often used in mocktail making is almonds, because their nutty, earthy textures add a wonderful complexity to your drink. As well, almonds have a creamy quality, which gives density and depth to any mocktail or milkshake you would prepare. Incorporating almonds into mocktail craft introduces lots of flavour to the mix making these non-alcoholic drinks very creative blends packing a lot of taste.
Read on below to know more about the different mocktails you can prepare inspired by the flavours of almonds, to add a bit of oomph into your non-alcoholic drink mixing game:
Almond Milkshake
Prepare this creamy blend using almond milk, a banana and some honey or maple syrup for sweetness and an almond dust garnish to savour a non-alcoholic chilled drink on warm evenings. You can opt for an almond milkshake when you are also looking for vegan alternatives to cut down on your dairy intake. This delicious drink can be further adorned with a dash of vanilla or a sprinkling of cinnamon powder to add a bit of aromatic and rich flavour notes to the blend.
Almond Sparkler
A delicious mocktail that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a drink savoured before dinner, you can serve the almond sparkler for an evening of socialising with a large group of friends. Make the almond sparkler using non-alcoholic sparkling wine, almond essence and lots of freshly squeezed orange juice to add a citrusy taste to the drink. The tart notes of the orange juice blend extraordinarily well with the earthy and nutty almond taste that will seep into the drink through the essence or extract of the dried fruit. You can also use cherries for garnish to bring in a sweet textural element into the drink.
Almond-Infused Mojito
A non-alcoholic take on the classic mojito recipe, this almond-infused drink can be prepared using quintessential mojito ingredients blended with a helping of almond milk. In a move towards more holistic ways of living, many choose to oscillate between veganism and vegetarianism as both dietary and environmentally conscious choices. This refreshing non-dairy fizzy mocktail made from almond milk, mint, club soda, simple syrup and lime juice is the perfect blend for such moments. The sour notes of the lime juice balance out the creamy almond milk textures crafting a flavourful and zesty blend, in keeping with all the qualities expected of a mojito!
Candied Almond Lemon Drop Mocktail
Use orgeat syrup made from almonds, sugar and rose water to prepare this mocktail containing the sweetness of candied almonds and the tart qualities of lemon juice or lemon seltzer. The drink is slightly bitter sweet and brings together the nuttiness in the almonds with the sweetness of sugar syrup and the acidic notes of lime. Candied almonds enhance the earthiness of the mocktail but if you are looking for a fresher alternative you can use candied or fresh lemons instead.
Cherry Almond Fizz Mocktail
Cherries and almonds go really well together making mocktails made out of this pairing a delight for anyone looking for a non-alcoholic alternative during warm summer parties. This cherry and almond mocktail brings together almond milk and cherry juice with a hint of citrus and simple syrup to offer creamy and tart flavour notes that act as refreshing elements for your palate.
