How To Make Almond Milk

An easy tutorial on how to make almond milk, 3 different ways! From classic vanilla, to spicy chai and decadent chocolate, this step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to make almond milk at home!

I remember the first time I had homemade almond milk. I could not believe how much BETTER it tasted that store-bought almond milk. So rich, so creamy and simple to make. I’m sharing a base almond milk recipe plus three variations to spice it up… literally.

For anyone with a lactose intolerance or anyone who wants to try a new dairy-free milk substitute, this recipe is for you!

Is homemade almond milk good for you?

YES! The best thing about making your own almond milk (other than the insanely delicious flavor) is the ingredient list.

To make the base recipe, it’s just three ingredients: almonds, water and maple syrup. Conventional almond milk typically has more ingredients, added sugar or sweeteners and preservatives. Avoid all of that by making your own!

Is homemade almond milk cheaper?

Great question. It depends on what almond milks you’re buying. If you’re buying the good quality almond milk… you know which brands I’m talking about, the price is probably comparable. If you’re buying the store brand almond milk, you can probably buy it cheaper than you can make it.

Having said that, it’s not super expensive to make! The highest cost is the almonds but you only need 1 cup almonds per batch of homemade almond milk. I like to buy my almonds from the bulk section at the grocery store to stock up.

Ingredients in Homemade Almond Milk

• raw almonds – you could also use roasted almonds but this will adjust the flavor. Try to opt for unsalted as you don’t want super salted almond milk
• water – 4 cups water, regular or filtered. Whatever you prefer.
• maple syrup – for sweetness. You could also use honey or agave based on preference or what you have on hand.

How to Make Almond Milk

STEP 1: SOAK ALMONDS

Place your raw almonds in a bowl and cover with water. Let the almonds and water sit overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. 

STEP 2: DRAIN ALMONDS + BLEND

Drain the soaked almonds and place in a blender. Add 4 cups of water to the blender and blend until smooth – I usually blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute. 

STEP 3: STRAIN ALMOND MILK TO REMOVE PULP

When the mixture in your blender is smooth, place a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth (or a fine mesh strainer) over a large bowl. Pour the blender mixture through the nut milk bag or cheesecloth and gently squeeze until all of the liquid is in the bowl and you’re left with leftover almond pulp in the bag. 

STEP 4: ADD SWEETENER + FLAVORINGS

Add in the maple syrup and any other desired flavors to the almond milk and mix. That’s it!

Try Different Flavor Combinations!

Vanilla Almond Milk – Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or fresh vanilla bean)

Chocolate Almond Milk – vanilla extract, cocoa powder + more maple syrup to balance it out

Chai Almond Milk – vanilla extract + spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice + cloves)

How long does it last in the fridge?

If you store your almond milk in an air-tight container or jar in the refrigerator, it will last you 3-5 days. I have a new ritual of making a batch of almond milk on Sunday or Monday and enjoying it throughout the week.

You’ll need to give it a good shake before using as it’s normal to see some separation.

How to Use Almond Milk

• Smoothies – Use in place of regular milk or dairy-free milk in any smoothie recipe. I highly recommend this smoothie bowl or banana peanut butter smoothie
• Cereal or granola – store-bought cereal or homemade granola are all great pairings for homemade almond milk. Try this apple cinnamon granola for a delicious flavor boost!
• Oatmeal – Here are 5 ways to make overnight oats or use in place for your favorite steel cut oats!

Truly the sky is the limit! Use in place of store-bought almond milk or regular dairy milk.

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Like this recipe? Here are a few others you might enjoy:

• How to Make Oat Milk
• DIY Cold Brew Iced Coffee
• Oat Milk Lattes – 3 Ways!
• Healthy Hot Chocolate – 5 Ways!
• How to Make Cold Brew Iced Tea