The Best Plant Milk Cocktail Recipes for Veganuary

Veganuary is here, and whether you’re an expert in all things plant-based or trying it out for the very first time, it’s a great excuse to make some delicious vegan cocktails!

Luckily, because alcohol is typically made without animal products, most cocktails are naturally 100% vegan. If you’re after one of the many traditional serves that are made with milk or cream however, you’ll have to change things up a bit.

plant milk

This is where the magic of plant milk comes in, as classics like the White Russian, Brandy Alexander, and Chocolate Martini become available for all to enjoy with just a simple substitute.

This guide to creating quality vegan cocktails breaks down which milk alternative you should use for which type of cocktail along with plenty of plant-based recipes to put you in the Veganuary mood.

 

How to Use Oat Milk in Cocktails

Oat milk is the trendiest plant milk of the moment, with its thick, creamy consistency offering the closest match to the texture of dairy milks.

This creaminess makes oat milk the ideal choice for recreating cocktails which are typically very thick or rich, as its subtly sweet taste won’t affect the flavour but will provide much-needed body and a luxe velvety finish.

 

White Russian

A White Russian is the quintessential creamy coffee cocktail, and just like an oat milk latte, the vegan version really hits the spot.

White Russian

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Fill a tumbler with ice and add the vodka and Kahlua, stirring to combine
  2. Slowly top up the glass with chilled oat milk

 

Brandy Alexander

This 70s classic is due a long-awaited renaissance, and what better way to give it a modern makeover than swapping out the cream for a cool dash of oat milk.

Brandy Alexander

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Add the brandy, oat milk, and creme de cacao to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously
  2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
  3. Grate a generous sprinkle of fresh nutmeg on top

 

How to Use Almond Milk in Cocktails

Almond milk is, unsurprisingly, a very nutty plant milk. While it’s probably not the best choice if you want a flavourless milk alternative, almond milk has a unique character that will bring depth and balance when paired with the right cocktail.

Spirits with woody caramel notes like whisky and rum are a perfect match for almond milk cocktails, as is any recipe made with nutty liqueurs and syrups that can be enhanced with extra almond flavour.

 

Nuts and Berries

Combining hazelnut liqueur, raspberry liqueur and almond milk makes for a seriously creamy and satisfying mix with the full flavours of an autumnal forest.

Nuts and Berries

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Add the Frangelico and Chambord to a tumbler full of ice and stir well
  2. Pour in the almond milk and stir again until completely combined

 

Eggnog

Eggnog is pretty much exclusively drunk during the festive season, but something as delicious as spiced, nutty, creamy bourbon deserves to be enjoyed all year round.

Eggnog

You Will Need:

Serves 4

Method:

  1. Place the cashews and bourbon in a container and leave for at least 30 minutes to allow the nuts to soften
  2. Put the cashews and bourbon in a blender and add the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices
  3. Blend until completely smooth and place the mixture in the fridge to chill
  4. Serve with plenty of ice and a sprinkle of nutmeg to garnish

 

How to Use Rice Milk in Cocktails

If you want the flavour and depth of almond milk but need a nut-free alternative, rice milk is the best option for making cocktails.

Rice milk is usually made with brown rice so is super high in nutrients and has a deep, nutty taste with plenty of natural sweetness. It is more watery in texture than other plant milks so is well suited to light and silky after-dinner cocktails.

 

Chocolate Martini

This vegan Chocolate Martini makes no sacrifice on indulgence using the dairy-free Dark Chocolate Liqueur from Mozart.

Chocolate Martini

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice until combined
  2. Strain into a chilled martini glass

 

Leche Mexicana

The earthiness of rice milk adds great dimension to the taste of bittersweet chocolate and agave in this classic tequila cocktail.

Leche Mexicana

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled
  2. Strain into a small tumbler and serve

 

How to Use Soy Milk in Cocktails

Soy milk is up there with the richest and sweetest milk alternatives, a great option for more luxurious milky cocktails.

Soy cream is also great for using in cocktails due to its sweetness and is the best alternative to dairy creams. If soy cream seems a little too thick, it can be mixed with equal parts soy milk to create a lighter, smoother texture that will blend more easily into vegan cocktails.

 

Screaming Orgasm

Risqué name aside, the Screaming Orgasm is a delicious dessert cocktail of Amaretto and coffee. Traditionally made with Irish cream liqueur, we’ve used Licor 43 Horchata as a dairy-free alternative with impressively authentic creaminess.

Screaming Orgasm

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in all ingredients
  2. Shake vigorously until chilled and strain over ice in a tall glass

 

Milk and Honey

In the land of milk and honey, everyone’s sipping on this cocktail. A simple mixture of Bénédictine Liqueur and soy milk is best enjoyed as a soothing nightcap.

Milk and Honey

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Pour both ingredients into a short glass with ice and stir well
  2. Garnish with your choice of a cinnamon stick, orange wheel, grated nutmeg, or a dusting of brown sugar

 

How to Use Coconut Milk in Cocktails

Coconut cream is a main ingredient in dozens of famous tiki cocktails such as the Pina Colada, Painkiller, Chi Chi and more. Its smoother and silkier cousin, coconut milk, is just as worthy of the limelight with its cool tropical taste and lighter consistency.

Coconut milk can be used in a huge variety of cocktails to bring body and nuttiness but will always be best-suited to fruit juice and rum-based recipes.

 

Pina Colada

A lighter option for those properly sweltering sunny days, a Pina Colada with coconut milk is even more refreshing than its creamy counterpart.

Pina Colada

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender with a handful of ice and pulse until the ice is roughly crushed
  2. Pour into a tall cocktail glass and garnish with a thick wedge of pineapple

 

Coconut Milk Punch

Whisky, rum, and coconut is a match made in vegan cocktail heaven. This recipe is great for parties, so multiply the ingredients and serve in a large punch bowl to impress your guests.

Coconut Milk Punch

You Will Need:

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until chilled (if making large quantities, just pour into a bowl and ensure it’s thoroughly mixed)
  2. Pour into a tall glass filled with fresh ice

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