🇬🇷 Greece · Drinks
Soumada: Traditional Greek Almond Drink
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇷 GRSoumada is a beloved traditional Greek non-alcoholic drink, an almond-based syrup popular in the Dodecanese islands and Cyprus. Made from a blend of sweet and bitter almonds, it offers a refreshing, subtly sweet, and fragrant experience, often served diluted with cold water.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by blanching the 200g of almonds. Place them in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain, then peel the skins off—they should slip off easily.
- 2
Once peeled, transfer the almonds to a food processor or a blender. Add 100ml of the 700ml water and process until you achieve a fine, pasty consistency. This step ensures maximum almond flavor extraction.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, combine the almond paste, the remaining 600ml of water, and 400g of sugar. Stir well until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- 4
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Do not boil vigorously.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully strain the almond mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving behind the almond pulp.
- 6
Let the strained liquid cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, stir in 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water (if using). This adds a beautiful floral aroma that enhances the almond flavor.
- 7
Transfer the Soumada concentrate to a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several weeks.
- 8
To serve, pour 1 part Soumada concentrate into a glass and dilute with 3-4 parts ice-cold water, or to your preferred sweetness. Serve over ice for a truly refreshing Greek experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soumada always non-alcoholic?+
Yes, Soumada is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage, making it a perfect refreshing drink for all ages and occasions, especially popular at celebrations.
Can I use only sweet almonds for Soumada?+
While a traditional Soumada often includes a few bitter almonds for depth of flavor, using only sweet almonds is perfectly fine and common, offering a milder taste.
What is the best way to serve Soumada?+
Soumada is best served diluted with plenty of ice-cold water, over ice. The dilution ratio can be adjusted to personal taste, typically 1 part syrup to 3-4 parts water.
How long can homemade Soumada be stored?+
Homemade Soumada concentrate, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy this traditional drink over time.
🇬🇷 GRMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Soumada: Traditional Greek Almond Drink's core ingredients.
