Drinks
Soumada (Cypriot Almond Milk Drink)
Ingredients
- - Ground almonds — 200 g (2 cups)
- - Sugar — 300 g (1.5 cups)
- - Water (for syrup) — 300 ml (1.25 cups)
- - Orange blossom water — 2 tbsp
- - Cold water (for serving, per glass) — 200 ml (3/4 cup)
Method
- Blend ground almonds with the syrup water until well combined into a milky liquid.
- Strain through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, squeezing to extract as much almond milk as possible.
- Combine the strained almond milk with sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring until sugar fully dissolves.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to slightly thicken into a syrup, then remove from heat.
- Stir in orange blossom water and allow to cool completely.
- Bottle the syrup and refrigerate; to serve, mix 2-3 tablespoons of syrup with cold water in a glass over ice.
Introduction: A fragrant almond-based syrup diluted with cold water, soumada is traditionally served at Cypriot weddings
and christenings as a symbol of good fortune, its sweet milky appearance and orange blossom scent
making it a festive, non-alcoholic treat for guests of all ages.
Cultural Background: A fragrant almond-based syrup diluted with cold water, soumada is traditionally served at Cypriot weddings
and christenings as a symbol of good fortune, its sweet milky appearance and orange blossom scent
making it a festive, non-alcoholic treat for guests of all ages.
Variations: Vegetarian. Naturally vegan as traditionally prepared.
Storage: Refrigerate the syrup in a sealed bottle for up to 3 weeks.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold, diluted with water.
Nutrition: Per serving (diluted): ~90 kcal, 1g protein, 3g fat, 15g carbohydrate.
FAQs
Q: Is soumada the same as orgeat syrup?
A: They are very similar in concept; soumada is the Cypriot version, often used in wedding hospitality.
Q: Is this drink vegan?
A: Yes, naturally vegan.