Polynesian Watermelon Drink is a refreshing fruit drink usually made with coconut milk or heavy cream. And Surprise! Our dairy-free, lower-fat otai recipe, made with almond milk, is just as creamy and delicious as the original!
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Otai is a Polynesian fruit drink that is usually made with heavy cream and or coconut milk. I stumbled on this dairy-free, lower-fat version completely by accident one summer.
I was sitting in the late August heat, wanting something cold and refreshing. I’d sampled otai at my daughter’s house and loved it, so I decided to give her recipe a try. Unfortunately, I had none of the heavy cream it called for, so I subbed in sweetened almond milk, expecting a refreshing, but a rather mundane result.
Instead, much to my surprise, the almond milk version was delicious – just as creamy and refreshing as the cream-based one! Plus, switching out the or coconut milk for almond milk lowers the fat content, and you don’t even miss it!
This Polynesian Watermelon Drink (Dairy-free Otai) recipe is the single easiest one on this blog. Two ingredients. Five minutes.
You can add another layer to the flavor profile by adding a can of crushed pineapple (with juice) when you blend it.
PRO TIP: Try making this with an Almond-Coconut Milk blend. You will not be disappointed.
Polynesian Watermelon Drink (Dairy-free Otai)
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 16 ounces watermelon cut up, seeds removed
- 2 cups sweetened almond milk*
Instructions
- Pour the Almond Milk in a blender, measuring in 16 ounces. Scoop out watermelon and put it into the blender, watching the liquid line until it reaches 32 ounces. (If your blender doesn't show measures on the side, just eyeball it.) Blend until almost smooth. Serve cold over ice.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
For more watermelon wisdom and recipes, visit How to Pick a Watermelon (+ 101 Watermelon Recipes).
Sounds like a divine beverage I would love to try! Summer isn’t over here in Spain, but the weather is lovely for a Polynesian watermelon drink…perhaps I should try the santa claus melon version! XX
That sounds so amazingly good – and so simple!!
Thank you for stopping by, Kylie! I checked you blog and your gluten-free cinnamon rolls with coconut glaze sound wonderful! I need to pass that recipe on to some dear gluten-free friends of mine.
This sounds like the perfect drink for summer, so pretty, too!
Thanks for stopping by – I love those apple pie pancakes on your blog!!
I am used to drinking otai in Hawai’i with shredded coconut….