How to Make Almond Milk

Homemade Almond Milk is so easy to make! It doesn’t require many ingredients, it tastes so much fresher, and in my opinion it has more of a pure almond flavor than store bought. You’ll be savoring every sip!

Fresh Made Almond Milk

Making this DIY almond milk is easily the superior version of almond milks. It actually tastes quite different from store-bought versions because it’s just so good! I was completely surprised myself the first time I made it.

This homemade variations doesn’t included additives such as thickeners like added guar or gellan gums (which to some can cause stomach upset), and the almond flavor here just comes from the almonds not added flavor. I would suspect there’s a greater ratio of almonds used in this almond milk vs. factory processed as well (though I have no way of proving this, I’m giving that judgment based on taste alone).

Isn’t making things from scratch and that bit of self sufficiency involved with it just such a gratifying process (and we tend to appreciate it more too right)? Even when it’s this easy, totaling about 5 minutes hands on prep time.

It’s also a handy know-how for when you may run out of store-bought milk of any kind but you’re wanting that bowl of muesli or cereal with it.

You’ll just need a few special tools including a nut bag or a clean tea towel for straining, and a high speed blender to finely pulverize the soaked almonds.

Uses and Variations

Once you’ve completed the simple process there are countless uses for it. You can drink as is, serve with cereal or oatmeal, add to soups, makes sauces such as curries, or create desserts along the lines of pudding and so forth.

You can even change up the flavor of the almond milk. Making it taste horchata-like by blending with a cinnamon stick, turning it into chocolate almond milk or hot chocolate, or giving it a spiced flavor and sunny glow by making it golden milk (turmeric milk). And don’t forget the fruity options like strawberry milk by adding a strained homemade strawberry sauce.

I’d say start with the basic recipe below to taste it’s pure goodness, then explore all the other flavor options and uses from there.

Almond Milk Recipe Ingredients

• Whole almonds (can use with skins on or blanched)
• Filtered water
• Vanilla extract
• Salt (I like to use sea salt though table salt is just fine)
• Maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)

How to Make Almond Milk

• Place almonds in a bowl, add 2 cups water or enough to cover by 1-inch. Let rest 12 to 24 hours at room temperature.
• Drain almonds. Transfer to a blender.
• Add 4 cups water. Cover and blend on moderately high speed until finely ground about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Pour mixture through a clean nut bag or kitchen tea towel set over a bowl. Pull top string of bag closed or wrap corners of cloth up and twist to close. Strain and squeeze mixture to extract all the liquid.
• Discard solids (or add to smoothies or another use). If using maple syrup stir in along with vanilla extract and sea salt.
• Store in fridge in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does almond milk need to be refrigerated?

• Yes almond milk must be stored in the fridge or it will spoil.
• It will keep best stored near the back of the fridge vs. inside the fridge door where the temperature fluctuates.

How long does almond milk last?

• Homemade almond milk will last anywhere from 3 days to 5 days.
• Note that with this homemade almond milk I tested with clean tap water and filtered store-bought water and the version with tap water went bad sooner. I believe sterilized jars, cleanliness of straining cloths, and super clean hands or using gloves can even make a difference in the longevity of it. But even with all of these it likely won’t last longer than 5 days because there is no pasteurization process involved.
• You can tell when almond milk has gone bad if it has an off smell and a sour taste, and sometimes possible clumping.
• Store-bought almond milk does last longer since it is usually ultra-pasteurized (heated to kill off bacteria) to extend shelf life. Once opened store-bought almond milk lasts about 7 to 10 days.
• Shelf stable store-bought almond milk has the longest shelf life and can be stored on a the shelf, unrefrigerated for several months (once opened though it must be refrigerated).

Can you freeze it?

• Yes homemade or store-bought almond milk can be frozen for several months.
• Just remember to allow a little space for the almond milk to expand in the container you store it in.

Is almond milk good for you?

• I will leave this one up to experts to explain, here is a dietitians input on it.
• Keep in mind homemade almond milk and store-bought almond milk will vary in health benefits, store-bought almond milk is usually fortified with added calcium and other vitamins and homemade is not.
• Wondering if cow’s milk or almonds milk is healthier? I recommend reading this article here.

Is almond milk dairy free?

• Yes almond milk is dairy-free, making it a good option for those with sensitivities or intolerances to dairy (such as lactose intolerance).

Is it keto friendly?

• As long as you don’t sweeten almond milk with added sugars (such as maple syrup, honey, or sugar) almond milk is keto friendly.
• You may consider erythritol if you want a sweetened option.

How to Make Chocolate Almond Milk

• Prepare as directed increasing vanilla to 1 tsp.
• Return prepared almond milk to a clean blender and blend in 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder and 1/3 cup maple syrup (or more to taste).
• You can also use another sweetener of your choice such as honey, sugar, stevia or medjool dates.

More Tasty Homemade Drinks to Try

• Agua Fresca
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Drink
• Horchata
• Iced Coffee
• Lemonade