Joining the ever-growing list of plant-based milks, macadamia nut milk is quickly becoming a consumer favorite.
BY SHAUN MELADY
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Madeline Liu
If you’ve been looking for a way to trade your standard morning splash for something that feels like a rich treat (without the dairy-related bloat), you might find your new favorite in macadamia nut milk. This creamy addition is earning its place in the specialty-coffee world, and you’re likely to see it making an appearance at more of your local cafés in the near future.
Macadamia nut milk around the world
With a buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the bold notes of espresso, macadamia nut milk is quite popular in the Asia-Pacific area, including Australia and Japan. Australia is a primary locale for the nut, and various brands use macadamias grown in South East Queensland for their blends. In the United States and Canada, macadamia nut milk is also gaining popularity.
In Hawai’i, you’ll typically see macadamia nut milk paired with Kona coffee, since the buttery notes of the nut match the fruity and floral profile of the beans grown on the Mauna Loa slopes. This nut was first brought to Hawaii in the 1880s and has since become a part of the local drink culture—plus, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts make for a delicious pairing.
The science behind the taste + texture
You may notice that the macadamia has a higher fat content than most other nuts, and this helps produce a thickness that mirrors whole milk. It has high levels of monounsaturated (heart-healthy) fats, which give it a thick and smooth feel as you’re sipping it down.
“Some nuts are better suited to becoming nut milk than others. This is why you don’t find pecan milk or peanut milk on many grocery store shelves—these nuts either lack the right texture, flavor, or fat content to create a desirable milk,” shares Vancouver, Canada’s Ayoub’s Dried Fruit & Nuts. “Macadamia nuts, on the other hand, are particularly well-suited for this purpose. They have a slightly higher fat content than most other nuts, which is a crucial factor in producing a thick, creamy, and rich milk. This extra fat not only enhances the texture but also improves the mouthfeel.”
Macadamia nut milk-based coffee drinks to try
White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew
For an iced option, a white chocolate macadamia cream cold brew is a must-try. It starts with a base of cold-brewed coffee and is topped with a thick layer of cold foam. The foam is a mix of macadamia nut milk, a splash of heavy cream (or a sprinkle of vanilla protein powder for thickness), and white chocolate sauce frothed to a dense consistency.
You can add toasted cookie crumbles on top for a bit of crunch or the aforementioned chocolate covered nuts broken into bits. The taste relies on a salty-sweet balance and the nuttiness of the macadamia cuts the sweetness of the white chocolate. You can make this at home by steeping your coffee for around 24 hours to keep the acid levels low.
Macadamia Nut Latte
A hot alternative is the toasted macadamia nut latte, which is made with espresso and macadamia nut milk drink, mixed with a syrup created from double-toasted macadamia nuts. Toasting the nuts draws out natural oils, intensifying the drink’s aromas. Medium roast beans from South America are a good match for this drink, since they are less acidic and let the nutty flavors shine. A drop of vanilla added to the espresso base can deepen the flavor with warm undertones as well.
Macadamia Matcha Latte
For non-coffee drinkers, a macadamia matcha latte is a great option. To make this drink, matcha powder is whisked into heated macadamia milk and sweetened with honey. The creaminess of the milk hides the earthy taste of the tea. Affogatos served with macadamia milk ice cream create a dessert-style experience that shows the nut’s natural sweetness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shaun Melady is a lifestyle journalist and content creator. His contributions appear in Upscale Living Magazine, Chilled Magazine, Robb Report, and various other publications. In addition to his journalism career, Shaun is a social media content creator, an international actor, and a model. Before transitioning into journalism and entertainment, he had a successful career in marketing communications, managing public relations, marketing, and communications for various global companies. Follow Shaun on Instagram at @ShaunMelady.
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