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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Polynesian Watermelon Drink (Dairy-free Otai)

    September 2, 2013 • Updated: February 20, 2021 • by Renée • This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe
    Watermelon Drink

    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!

    Watermelon Drink

    This post may contain affiliate links, but don't worry - they won't bite.

    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.

    Watermelon Drink

    Polynesian Watermelon Drink (Dairy-free Otai)

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: Beverage
    Prep Time:5 minutes
    Total Time:5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 52kcal
    Author: Renee

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric
    • 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

    Makes 1 quart
    *If you use sweetened almond milk, you do not need to add any additional sugar to your Otai. If you use unsweetened almond milk, add about ½ cup of sugar to the mixture, and sweeten to taste. 
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg
    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.
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

    For more watermelon wisdom and recipes, visit How to Pick a Watermelon (+ 101 Watermelon Recipes). 

     

    Wavy Line

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    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
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    About Renée

    Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine Gonzales says

      June 19, 2016 at 9:53 am

      I am used to drinking otai in Hawai'i with shredded coconut....

      Reply
    2. CupcakeKitteh says

      September 03, 2013 at 6:20 pm

      This sounds like the perfect drink for summer, so pretty, too!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        September 03, 2013 at 7:48 pm

        Thanks for stopping by - I love those apple pie pancakes on your blog!!

        Reply
    3. Kylie - FotV says

      September 03, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      That sounds so amazingly good - and so simple!!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        September 03, 2013 at 7:52 pm

        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.

        Reply
    4. veganmiam.com says

      September 03, 2013 at 12:33 am

      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

      Reply

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