All About Alternative Milk

Alternative milk in Coffee is on the rise! Whether you’re
lactose intolerant, vegan or just simply enjoy the benefits of what alternative
milk has to offer, there’s no reason to stop enjoying your daily dose of
coffee! Latte, Cappuccino and Flat Whites are some of the most popular
drinks.  

The taste and texture of coffee can be affected by the type
of milk used. For instance, when using full fat milk, the result is a richer,
creamier and sweeter coffee. The fat content and the protein of the milk is
responsible for achieving that taste and texture.  

Alternative Milk is a whole new story. With lesser fat
content and a different type of protein, the texture and taste of coffee will
be very different.

Here at Hill Top Brews, we have tested Alpro’s Soy Milk, Almond
Milk Unsweetened, Almond Milk Original, Oat Milk and Coconut Milk.

For this purpose, we used one coffee to see how it affects
the taste and texture, Coffee Compass Ethiopia Rocko Mountain Reserve Natural
Process.

Ethiopia Rocko Mountain Reserve Natural Process as an
espresso is fruity, bright and floral. Quite a complex character. As a flat
white using full fat organic milk, it is sweet and has a great fruity
note—Strawberry. The dosage used is 18g of beans, 27g out at 35 seconds
including pre-infusion. All milk were steamed at 65◦C

Soy Milk

When steaming Soy Milk, it is almost like steaming semi
skimmed milk. It stretches really well. It’s got great texture. It doesn’t
split at all.

Taste-wise, it is very nutty. The acidity or fruitiness in
the coffee disappears leaving you with a very nutty, chocolate coffee with
tofu. There is a very subtle sweetness coming from the soy milk.

Almond Milk Original and
Unsweetened

Almond Milk is probably the most popular alternative milk. It
is similar to soy milk, it also has great texture. Great foam but underneath,
you’ll notice that it has split.

With the Almond Milk Original, the coffee becomes very
nutty. There is also a slight sourness coming from the almond milk. The texture
of the coffee is less creamy.

With the Unsweetened Almond Milk, the coffee now reminds me
of marzipan. It tastes very different to Almond Milk Original. Coffee is a lot
sweeter than the original despite it being unsweetened.

Oat Milk

Steaming is very difficult. It doesn’t froth at all. This milk
actually enhances the taste of coffee.

 In this instance, the coffee is a lot
fruitier and brighter but with cereal notes. Texture wise, it is almost like a
creamy Americano. This is probably best to use with Americano or cold brew.

Coconut Milk

Coconut Milk is now a trend. It’s almost as popular as Almond
Milk. It froths well but has a thinner texture than almond and soy. It also
splits.

Taste wise, coffee became very sweet. Almost like milk
chocolate truffles with desiccated coconut. The texture became lighter and
quite airy.

In general, the taste and texture will come down to how you
like it. After all, coffee is a personal drink.

Alternative Milk isn’t just for hot milky drinks but also
great with cold brews, Frappuccino and coffee based cocktails!

You can add frozen cubes of your chosen milk, then add it to
your cold brew! Great refreshing drink!

Here are some great tried and tested recipes!

Cold Brew Frappuccino

500ml Cold Brew

Agave Syrup or Dates to sweeten

12 Oat Milk Ice cubes

Put all ingredients in blender and pulse until completely
mixed. You can top this with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. This serves 2-4
people.

White Russian Almond Milk

1.5 shots of Vodka

30ml of Espresso

½ shot of Kahlua

Almond Milk

Ice

Mix Vodka, Espresso Kahlua and ice in a shaker. Pour over
ice. Slowly fill glass up with Almond Milk using the back of a spoon. This
serves 1.

Vanilla Iced Latte Martini

2 shots of Soy milk

50ml Espresso

2 shots of Vodka

1 shot of Kahlua

1 tsp vanilla extract

Ice cubes

Put ice in shaker and pour in all ingredients. Shake well
and pour into chilled martini glass. This serves 1.

Coconut Coffee
Smoothie

200ml Coconut Milk

2 shots of Espresso

1 Banana

50g Shredded dried Coconut

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Pulse ingredients in blender until blended. Pour in glass
and top with more shredded coconut. This serves 1.