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Homemade almond milk is easier than you think. And, making clean almond milk at home is incredibly satisfying and delicious. It gives you that feeling of accomplishment and tastes infinitely better than anything you can buy at the store.

A person pouring almond milk from a pitcher into a glass..

Why this DIY Almond Milk Rawks

You might wonder why I like making my own nut milk with so many store bought varieties availableโ€ฆ and thatโ€™s a great question! I make my own for 2 reasons: cost and ingredients.

Cost: I broke down the cost of making my own milk, even with the investment of the Almond Cow, and found it was cheaper. Yet that doesnโ€™t mean I only make my own milk. When in a pinch, I will buy Elmhurst (itโ€™s great, just a lilโ€™ pricey). I did a Best Almond Milk Brands blog post where I tested a variety of brands. So you can see what I consider the best ones (and why).

Ingredients: Making your own almond milk guarantees the cleanest, freshest result, which is why I love doing it. You know exactly what is in it! I think using a blender is the best way to go, yet the Almond Cow method is a great runner up. 

Homemade plant-based almond milk is creamy, wholesome and 100% natural โ€“ no artificial flavors or stabilizers. Today Iโ€™m teaching you how to make almond milk in 3 different ways, plus ways to use your new fav beverage.

Ingredients + Tools You’ll Need

This guide helps you create creamy, flavorful almond milk youโ€™ll love to use in drinks, recipes, or on its own. If youโ€™re wondering about how to make an almond milk, hereโ€™s what you need:

  • Blender: A high-speed blender is essential to break down the almonds into a smooth, creamy base.
  • Fine Mesh Sieve: Perfect for straining out any almond pulp, leaving you with silky almond milk.
  • Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag: A reusable tool to easily squeeze out every drop of milk.
  • Mason Jars or Glass Containers with Lids: Ideal for storing your freshly made almond milk. Glass helps keep it fresh and odor-free.
  • Raw Almonds: Use raw, unsalted almonds as the base. Theyโ€™re packed with nutrients and ensure a clean, neutral flavor.
  • Filtered Water: Clean, filtered water is key to achieving the freshest taste.
  • Lemon: A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a subtle brightness and helps enhance the flavor.
  • Sea Salt: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness and balances the flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to your almond milk.
  • Pure Maple Syrup or Preferred Sweetener: Adjust to taste with a natural sweetener for a touch of sweetness.

This recipe uses plant-based ingredients to create almond milk thatโ€™s fresher than store-bought!

Three ways on how to make almond milk.

How to Make Almond Milk: Three Easy Methods

I love how accessible and convenient itโ€™s become to make your own almond milk. Whether you make it in a blender, with Almond Cow, or with the help of Joi, itโ€™s so easy to make quality nut milk. I make plant-based almond milk weekly at my house and canโ€™t wait for you to start this tradition too.

Letโ€™s break down the three ways of how to make almond milk. Then, you decide which version is best for you.

A person squeezing a nut milk bag into a measuring cup.

Method #1: How to Make Almond Milk with a blender

Nothing tastes better than this versionโ€ฆ in my opinion. Itโ€™s incredibly easy, but a little more time consuming than the other methods. Yet once you taste it, youโ€™ll see what I mean. 

While the recipe is simple, I like to use lemon juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract as well (and I think youโ€™ll agree).

Soak the Almonds

A glass bottle of water and a jar of almonds on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1: Measure 1 cup of raw almonds into a bowl or mason jar with space.

A hand pouring lemon juice into a jar of almonds.

Step 2: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

A person is adding water to a jar of almonds, with a lemon and other ingredients visible.

Step 3: Fill up with filtered water.

Two jars of almonds soaking in water.

Step 4: Cover and allow to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. The almonds will really absorb a lot of water, so be sure to use enough water!

Drain and Rinse Almonds

A person pouring almonds into a strainer.

Step 1: Pour the soaked almonds into a sieve.

Almonds being rinsed in a strainer over a bowl of water.

Step 2: Drain and rinse almonds well. I like to use a sieve to make it easy and not lose any almonds down the drain.

Almonds being poured into a blender from a strainer.

Step 3: Place almonds in a blender.

Almonds and water in a blender.

Step 4: Add 3 cups filtered water

Blend and Strain the Almonds

A blender blending almonds and water to make homemade almond milk.

Step 1: Blend almonds to a creamy consistency (the fewer chunks, the better).

Almond milk being poured from a blender into a nut milk bag.

Step 2: Set a sieve on top of a container. Put cheesecloth on top of that. Pour the nut milk through the cheesecloth bag (or a nut sack) with a container underneath to catch the liquid.

A person squeezing a cheesecloth into a measuring cup.

Step 3: Squeeze the cheesecloth to allow the liquid to seep through into the container.

If you’re not familiar with straining options, here’s a photo to help you identify them. You can buy nut milk sacks online through Amazon or at most cooking stores like Sur La Table and William Sonoma. I strongly suggest a fine mesh sleeve as wellโ€” I use this at least once a week to rinse and drain beans or when making almond milk.

A fine mesh sieve, cheese cloth, and a nut milk bag on a counter.

Straining the blender contents isn’t 100% necessary, yet it does remove the pulp which can make the milk taste gritty. Some people prefer to use the milk unstrained, so it’s totally up to you! I def prefer straining itโ€“ it’s incredible and will make you never want to buy store-bought nut milk again.

Flavors and Sweeteners

You can enjoy your homemade milk just as it is: pure almonds and water. Or you can add a little love to take it to a whole new level. I like to do a lil’ sea salt and vanilla extract as well as maple syrup. My kids are much happier drinking it when I add these flavors and natural sweeteners.

A person adding salt to a blender.

Step 1: Add a pinch of sea salt to the milk (you can do this while blending or afterwards)

A person adding vanilla extract to a measuring cup.

Step 2: Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

A person adding maple syrup to a measuring cup.

Step 3: Add one-two teaspoons of pure maple syrup. You can also use honey, agave or a simple syrup if you prefer. I love maple syrup for the rich taste and and nutrients it provides.

Almond milk being poured from a measuring cup into a bottle.

Step 4: Pour through a funnel to prevent spills.

What to do with Almond Pulp

When using the Almond Cow or a blender, youโ€™ll have leftover almond pulp. You donโ€™t have to throw it away! This can be dried and used in granola, added to a smoothie for extra fiber, put in oatmeal, or as a yogurt topping. This creates a zero waste product!

A stainless steel Almond Cow nut milk maker with a pitcher of almond milk and almonds.

Method #2: How to Make Almond Milk with Almond Cow

When the Almond Cow first came out, I was like: can it really be worth the cost?! The answer is yesโ€ฆ and no. Almond Cow is a milking machine that can blend plant milk in minutes. This machine costs $245, yet can make 5 cups of milk using 1 cup of raw almonds (the less water you use the creamier it gets).

For a quick and easy method, the Almond Cow offers convenience. The whole process from start to clean up took less than 5 minutes, and the recipe I followed was simple and straight forward. But, the final product isnโ€™t as good as the blender method above.

The Almond Cow โ€œrushesโ€ the process and makes a less flavorful, frothy version of nut milk. Yet clean up is SO much easier and the entire process is quickโ€”which is why I have an Almond Cow. Even though it has almond in its name, the Almond Cow can also make oat, coconut, cashew, hemp, and walnut milk.

Since Iโ€™m an Almond Cow affiliate, you can save $25 off your purchase with Almond Cow. Use code: SimpleGreenSmoothies at checkout.

A table with Joi Nutbased and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Method #3: How to Make Almond Milk with Joi Nutbase

Joi Nutbase has taken almonds and blended them into a paste. This paste is 100% almondโ€” nothing else. Plus, they are using the entire nut (so also zero-waste), and it has a shelf life of 18 monthsโ€ฆ 

To make 1 cup of almond milk, just add 1 tablespoon of Almond Joi paste to 1 cup of filtered water, and blend for 30 seconds. Thatโ€™s literally it! You can up the creaminess by adding 2 tablespoons of Joi to 1 cup of filtered water.

Even after settling, this milk kept its frothy top. It tasted super creamy, and was a little less dry than the Almond Cowโ€™s version. Fun fact: 27 cups of almond milk can be made from 1 container of Joi, retailing for $19.99. Thatโ€™s less than $1 per cup! 1 cup of this milk is 4 grams of protein as wellโ€” woot, woot!

Try Joi Nutbase 10% off w/code โ€œsimplegreensmoothiesโ€.

A jar of almonds and a bottle of almond milk on a wooden board.

How to Store Homemade Almond Milk

No matter which of the three methods above you choose, youโ€™ll be way happier with the result compared to most store bought milk. Homemade clean almond milk doesnโ€™t have any shelf stabilizers, which means it wonโ€™t stay โ€œfreshโ€ as long. I suggest:

  • Store in a clean, glass container with a lid. Mason jars as well as carafes work great.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The almonds and water will separate in the fridge, so give it a good shake before using.
Almond milk being poured into a glass from a pitcher.

How to Use Almond Milk in Recipes

Now that you know how to make almond milk, how will you use this deliciously fresh beverage? Iโ€™ve got a few ideas to get you started:

You can pretty much swap in plant-based milk anywhere you use regular milk, baked goods or otherwise. It makes a deliciously creamy smoothie as well.

Common Questions

How do I make almond milk?

Soak almonds in filtered water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for at least 8 hours. Drain, then add soaked almonds to a blender with 3 cups of water. Blend for several minutes, until smooth.ย 

Using a nut milk bag (or cheese cloth/tea towel) strain the โ€˜milkโ€™ into a pitcher. Once the blender is emptied into the milk bag, squeeze as much liquid out of the almond pulp as you can. If you want your milk sweetened, add a bit of maple syrup to the finished product (or add in a date).

How long should I soak almonds for almond milk?

I recommend soaking almonds for at least 8 hours, or overnight for almond milk. If youโ€™re soaking them overnight, place them in the fridge to ensure they stay fresh while soaking. If you need to make a quick batch of almond milk, you can soak in steaming water for 30 minutes to speed up the process. The almonds wonโ€™t be quite as soft, yet will still work fine for the milk.

How do I make almond milk without a bag?

No need to use a nut milk bag to enjoy homemade almond milk. You can use a clean tea towel or cheese cloth just as easily.

Is almond milk vegan?

Yes, almond milk is considered vegan. Itโ€™s made from almonds and water, making it a plant-based alternative to dairy milk. Most almond milk products are free from non-vegan ingredients, but itโ€™s always a good idea to double-check the label. Some brands may add flavorings, thickeners, or vitamins that could occasionally come from animal sources.

Can you heat almond milk?

Yes, you can heat almond milk! Itโ€™s a versatile plant-based milk that warms up well for use in coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or cooking. To heat almond milk:

Use Low to Medium Heat: Almond milk can scorch or curdle if heated too quickly. Warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Stir Often: This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or forming a skin.
Avoid Boiling: Almond milk may separate if it reaches a rolling boil, so keep the heat gentle.

A bottle of homemade almond milk on a counter.

More Homemade Milk Recipes

I’ve learned how to make all kinds of dairy-free milks since I have preferences on which kind to use depending on the recipe. Here’s my list of homemade milks:

Rate + review this recipe once you’ve tried it; I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if youโ€™re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Almond milk being poured into a glass from a pitcher, showing how to make almond milk.
5 from 7 votes

How to Make Almond Milk

Learn how to make almond milk with this simple recipe for clean, delicious homemade almond milk. Made with 100% clean, pronounceable ingredients and no fillers or gums, this DIY almond milk recipe always delivers great taste!
Prep: 8 hours 20 minutes
Total: 8 hours 20 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Serves: 4 cups

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup raw almonds organic if possible
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Place 1 cup of almonds in a medium bowl. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and completely cover almonds with filtered water. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. The almonds will really absorb a lot of water, so be sure to use enough water! Add more if needed.
  • Pour the soaked almonds into a sieve. Drain and rinse well. Place almonds in blender with 3 cups water.
  • Blend on high speed for several minutes until thick and smooth. There will be quite a bit of almond pulp mixed in with the milk.
  • Set a sieve on top of a bowl with a cheese cloth over the sieve. Pour the almond milk through the cheesecloth + sieve into the bowl, catching as much liquid as possible. Squeeze the cheesecloth tightly to allow the liquid to completely seep through into the container.
  • Mix in sea salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if adding) to the separated milk.
  • Transfer the milk to a quart size jar or glass bottle with a lid. For a thinner milk, add a little more filtered water to make it an even quart. Refrigerate immediately. The milk is best consumed within the first 2-3 days and must be kept refrigerated. It will separate as it sits. It is fine to drink and use, simply shake the bottle and the milk will be creamy again.
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Notes

  • Be sure to sanitize all of your bowls, utensils, blender, jar and lids before making the milk to prevent any contamination.
  • If you want to keep some of the pulp in your milk, simply strain through a sieve alone. Alternately you can use a nut milk bag instead of cheese cloth.
  • If the milk smells โ€œoffโ€ best not to drink it in case it has spoiled. Drink or use within 3-4 days, but sometimes it will keep for a week.
  • Add other flavors or spices, as desired. Example โ€“ cinnamon and a little almond extract.
  • Honey or date syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup. You can also place a date in the blender with the soaked almonds and blend together.
  • Do not freeze the almond milk, the texture will be affected.
  • This method can be used on a variety of nuts and seeds!

Nutrition

Calories: 43kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 325mg, Potassium: 7mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 302mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

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Comments

    1. Hey Wendy – great question! Yes, you can totally freeze your plant milks. ๐Ÿ™‚ I would recommend freezing it in ice cube trays. Then, once frozen, you can transfer the cubes into a freezer bag.

  1. Hi Jen! Iโ€™m literally making this as I type! My almonds have been soaking however I had to delay making this by a few days so I put my almonds in the fridge (still soaking in water) do you think theyโ€™re safe to use? They smell fine. Also can you sweeten this with dates and if so how would you suggest adding it in? Thank you so much!

    1. 5 stars
      I made as directed and I will never buy almond milk again! This was so easy and so creamy and delicious!

      1. Amazing!! Great job, Candis! I’m so glad you liked it!

    2. Hi Candis,
      Your almonds should be safe to use – even if it’s been a few days! If you’re looking to sweeten your almond milk, I would suggest adding maple syrup, honey or vanilla extract. Let me know what you end up trying and how it turns out!

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you for the almond milk recipe, and also for the printing facilities! I’ll try the blender option very soon, though this time I’ve had the patience of peeling the almonds after soaking them! Next time, I’ll skip the peeling.
    I intend to use the almond milk, perhaps with more water (5:1), with breakfast cereal. Congratulations for your website!

  3. 5 stars
    I just use almonds and water when making my own almond milk, but love the additions in this version.