Beverages
Coconut Milk Drink with Vanilla
About this dish
A silky, dairy-free coconut milk drink infused with real vanilla bean, kissed with a touch of maple and a pinch of sea salt. Served over ice or gently warmed, it is a simple Caribbean-style refreshment that feels like a small vacation in a glass.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Full-fat coconut milk
liquid400 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 2/3 cups
Cold water
liquid240 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
spice1 bean
Maple syrup (or agave)
other2 tbsp
Fine sea salt
seasoning1 pinch
Ice cubes, for serving
other1 cup
Method
Blend the base
1 minuteIn a blender, combine coconut milk, cold water, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), maple syrup if using, and sea salt.
Emulsify
30–45 secondsBlend on high for 30–45 seconds until completely smooth and slightly frothy.
Taste and adjust
30 secondsTaste and add a little more maple syrup for sweetness or a tiny pinch of salt if it tastes flat. Blend again for 5 seconds if adjusted.
Serve over ice
1 minuteFill two tall glasses with ice cubes, pour the coconut vanilla drink over, and stir gently. If you prefer it warm, gently heat in a small saucepan over low until steaming, without boiling.
Garnish and rest
1 minuteRub the rim of each glass with the empty vanilla bean pod or add a cinnamon stick for aroma. Let sit for 1 minute before serving so the flavors settle.
Equipment
- Blender
- Two tall glasses
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For the silkiest texture, use full-fat coconut milk and blend well, light coconut milk will give a thinner drink.
- If you keep your coconut milk in the fridge, the cream may separate—give the can a good shake or whisk before measuring., A tiny pinch of salt does not make it salty, it simply makes the vanilla and coconut taste more like themselves.
Serving suggestions
- Pour over crushed ice for a slushier feel.
- Serve alongside a slice of banana bread or warm spice cake.
- Turn it into a dessert by drizzling a little melted dark chocolate on top.
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Recipe by
Andre Sinclair
Specialises in Jamaican cuisineAndre is a jerk pitmaster who doesn't believe in recipes. 'Feel the heat, man', he says.
Describe yourself in three words: Chill, philosophical, speaks in riddles.