Starbucks did the dairy- and soy-avoiding masses a real liquid — err, solid — a couple weeks back when it announced that stores across the US would begin offering coconut milk as a vegan option for frapps, capps and all your other caffeinated morning must-haves. And while we love the new dairy alternative, there's definitely been some backlash over the nutritional value (or lack thereof) and gratuitous additives of the particular type of coco milk Starbucks is using. Lucky for us, there's no need to depend on 'Bucks for your coco fix. We're celebrating this non-dairy wonder with 9 creamy coconut milk drink recipes you can make at home.
These homemade coconut beverages will taste better than real milk
1. Turmeric Tea: Now here's a slightly spicy, coconut-milk-based homemade tea that will cure whatever ails you: insomnia, the blues, a cold, that chronic winter “even my bones are cold" feeling, you name it. (via The View from Great Island)
2. Banana Coconut Vegan Nog: This coconut milk nog skips the eggs and gets its thick, frothy texture from bananas instead. (via Hello Natural)
3. Coconut, Vanilla and Almond Butter Smoothie: This super simple concoction is decadent without being too rich. Just add a little raw cocoa powder if you want to get real crazy. Or, you know, if you just like chocolate for breakfast. (via The Housewife in Training Files)
4. Iced Hawaiian Coffee: No tropical vacay this year? Not a problem. While we can't promise this creamy vegan coffee drink will whisk you away to an island luau, we can promise it will make your morning (or afternoon) coffee fix a whole lot sweeter. Plus, it's so easy. (via Bake Love Give)
5. Frozen Chai Tea Latte: This frosty coconut milk recipe combines the warm spices of chai with the bright, fruity flavor of a mango lassi. (via Eating Made Easy)
We hope you enjoyed some of the best coconut milk drinks we listed for you
6. Thai Iced Tea Pops: Speaking of frosty, these creamy pops are a handy sweet — but not too sweet — vegan treat when you're craving Thai iced tea (and let's be honest, even where you're not). (via Oh My Veggies)
7. Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate: Umm, yes please. This recipe combines dairy milk with coconut. To make it vegan, use all coconut milk, sub in non-dairy chocolate chips and make whipped coconut cream instead of the marshmallow-fluff whipped cream. (via Chocolate Moosey)
8. Vanilla-Hazelnut Coffee Creamer: Homemade condensed coconut milk is pretty much our dream. Add almond milk and natural flavorings, and you've got yourself a delish, habit-forming cup of coffee. (via An Edible Mosaic)
9. Naturally Sweetened Vegan Horchata: This Mexican-style horchata is legit. Cinnamon-y, vanilla-y goodness is combined beautifully to make this velvety, rice-almond-coconut milk mixture. (via The Roasted Root)
Which of these coconut milk drink recipes will you be whipping up a concoction of right about now? Share with us below and join our newsletter for more inspiration.