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"soumatha" greek almond drink

Recipe by
Maria *
Athens

Soumatha (soo-MAH-tha) is a soft drink made from ground sweet and bitter almonds. Traditionally served at weddings & engagements because of its distinctive white color. (Note: Bitter almonds are not sold in the US. Substitute 5-6 drops of almond extract) This recipe & picture are from About.com

yield serving(s)
prep time 45 Min
method Food Processor

Ingredients For "soumatha" greek almond drink

  • 1 lb
    almonds (skins removed)
  • 60 bitter almonds (see note)
  • 6 c
    sugar
  • 6 c
    water

How To Make "soumatha" greek almond drink

  • 1
    Remove the skins from the almonds by boiling them for a minute or two. The skins will slip off easily.
  • 2
    Dissolve the sugar in half the water and boil until you have a syrup consistency. Set aside. Using a food processor or blender, grind the sweet and bitter almonds into a fine powder. Combine the ground almonds with the remaining water.
  • 3
    Using a strainer lined with cheesecloth, strain the liquid from the ground almonds and reserve. Pass the ground almonds and water 2 or 3 times through the cheesecloth to extract the most flavor.
  • 4
    Combine the strained almond liquid with the sugar syrup and heat on the stove, being careful not to allow the mixture to boil.
  • 5
    To serve, add about an inch of the syrup to a tall glass with some ice & water. Cheers!!!
  • 6
    Tip: Stored in your fridge it will last for a very long time...that is if you been celebrating:) My daughter married 4 yrs ago and I still have some leftover in my fridge.
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