Honey Almond Cooler

Homemade almond milk is as divine as it is healthy, especially when delicately sweetened with honey and fizzed with seltzer.

According to the Almond Board of California, American’s demand for almonds continues to grow and is impacting out-of-home eating preferences, particularly among health-oriented, food-involved and convenience-seeking women 35 and older. Almonds can be incorporated into every snack and meal and even blended into a delicious drink. In addition to the numerous health benefits of this versatile nut, it just tastes great.

Almond Cooler
Serves 2

2 cups cold water
1/2 cup blanched almonds
2 tablespoons honey
2 drops almond extract
Ice
Seltzer water

Place water and almonds in a blender and process until almonds are ground, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth set over a saucepan. Use the bottom of a glass to press on the almond mixture to squeeze all the liquid into the bowl. Stir in the honey and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Let cool. Stir in the almond extract and transfer to a covered container and refrigerate until chilled. To serve, fill two tall glasses half way with ice and fill each with almond milk. Top off with seltzer.