A homemade soy drink that gains deep, nutty sweetness from roasted hazelnuts and cinnamon. Maple syrup rounds off the flavours, while a pinch of salt keeps the balance. Perfect for cold days or as a coffee base – but also delicious on its own. No powder, no refined sugar, just real ingredients. If you like, add a knife tip of vanilla, but that’s a matter of taste.
And here’s what you need for the cinnamon-hazelnut soy drink
1 cup dried soy beans (approx. 200 g)
4 cups water (plus 1 cup for soaking)
½ cup roasted hazelnuts (approx. 60 g, unsalted)
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra to dust)
1 pinch of salt
1 knife tip of vanilla powder (optional)
Tips for success
Before roasting, rinse the hazelnuts briefly in cold water – this prevents them from burning too quickly. Roast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Do not let them get too dark, otherwise the drink will taste bitter. When straining the soy milk, do not press out the pulp, otherwise the milk will turn cloudy. For an especially creamy texture, add 1 teaspoon of neutral vegetable oil (e.g. rapeseed oil) to the blender – this binds the nuts’ fats and makes the drink smoother.
Variations
- Coffee version — Mix the warm soy drink with 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso and dust with a pinch of cocoa. Also works well with cold brew.
- Chocolate-cinnamon version — Stir 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder with the cinnamon into the warm drink. Add a little more maple syrup, as the cocoa absorbs the sweetness.
- Cold nut shake — Let the finished drink cool, then blend with ice cubes. Garnish with a hazelnut waffle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the hazelnuts with almonds?
Yes, but almonds taste milder and less aromatic. Roast them for longer until golden brown, and use 1 extra tablespoon to intensify the flavour.
Why is my soy drink grainy?
Either the beans weren’t blended finely enough, or the pulp was pressed out too much. Always use a high-performance blender and strain lightly.
How long does the drink keep in the fridge?
2–3 days, but it may separate over time. Shake well or warm briefly before serving.
Can I sweeten the drink without maple syrup?
Yes, agave nectar or date syrup also work. Honey isn’t vegan, but possible if that’s not a concern.
