Otai is a Polynesian fruit drink that is usually made with heavy cream and sugar. I discovered this dairy-free version completely by accident: a few years ago, one of my daughters published a recipe for “Samoan Watermelon Drink” on her blog Homemade Toast, and this summer while sitting out in the late August heat, I got a hankering for a tall, cold glass of something refreshing. Recalling her recipe, I decided to put together a low-fat, dairy-free version, and it turned out fantastic! Here is the whole recipe:
- 2 cups Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk (sweetened)
- 2 cups scooped Watermelon
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. Some people prefer big chunks of watermelon in this, but I like mine smooth enough to drink through a straw. Serve cold over ice.
Makes one quart.
ʻOtai is a fruit drink which originated in western Polynesia.
As milk alternatives go, I tend to stick with the Almond Breeze products – they have a delicious, mild flavor and work well in baking and cooking. (Sorry Silk.) Of their products, my absolute fav is their sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, and it turns out it was the perfect choice for my vegan Otai. Everyone in our house loves this stuff!!
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….