How to Make Almond Milk

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Don’t settle for the carton! Learn how to make your own Almond Milk by following this quick and easy recipe.

Have you noticed I’ve been slowly incorporating almond milk into more and more recipes the past little while? That’s for a couple of reasons. First, it’s delicious. Second, so many people request it (blog readers and friends alike) that I thought I should get the jump on them and make mention of almond milk from the outset. Go to any Starbucks or the dairy section of your local grocery store and you’ll realize that almond milk is just as popular as cow’s milk (some might say it’s becoming more popular, though I’m not sure I’d go that far).

Then it dawned on me: With so many almond-milk drinkers out there, perhaps it was time to show you how to make your own. It’s a really simple process that requires only two ingredients (plus two optional ingredients for flavor). And no, it doesn’t require you to locate the almond’s udders.

With this knowledge you can start using this almond milk in your other recipes instead of using the cartons of almond milk you’ve probably been buying all this time. It means having more control over what you put in your body. It also means bespoke dairy. Want it sweeter? Go for it. Want a bit of spice? Why not? You’re the chef—make it your own.

Is almond milk healthier than cow’s milk?

That’s a bit of an unfair question, as you’re comparing this homemade almond milk with the cow’s milk you buy at the grocery store, which has undergone hefty processing. That being said, we can still draw conclusions that will inform you which of the two is right for you. The first point is the reason I think almond milk has surged in popularity in recent years: it is lactose-free. Those who have trouble digesting cow’s milk will find salvation in almond milk. Of course, if you aren’t lactose-intolerant, this doesn’t make almond milk any healthier for you, but you may be interested to know that it contains but a small fraction of the calories of cow’s milk and very little sugar. It’s also low in vitamin D and calcium, so that’s a win for cow’s milk. So, which is healthier? I would say, if you were going to make your own almond milk, do so, and skip the cow’s milk. If you are going to buy almond milk from the store, then, provided you would otherwise buy a high-quality cow’s milk, it’s really down to your diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw almonds soaked overnight
• 3 1/2 cups filtered water
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make Almond Milk

Step 1: Combine the soaked almonds and filtered water in a blender. Blend on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture appears creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Place a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl. Carefully pour the almond mixture into the bag or strainer. Gently squeeze or press to extract as much almond milk as possible.

Step 3: Return the strained milk to the blender. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract if you’re using them. Blend briefly to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Step 4: Store and enjoy.

FAQs & Tips

Varieties of Almond Milk Worth Trying

I mention elsewhere on this page that you can add maple syrup or vanilla extract (FYI, stick to extract and avoid essence, which is usually synthetic), but there are other ingredients worth adding for a bit of variety. It really depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you find almond milk a bit bland and want something sweet, add dates, honey, agave nectar, or stevia. For something more flavorful than sweet, add almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or cocoa powder. If you turn to almond milk as a post-workout pick-me-up, add a protein powder (e.g., whey, pea, or hemp). You can also make it creamier with the addition of a nut butter, like almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter. And for healthy fats, use coconut oil, avocado, or chia seeds.