How to Make Almond Milk

ByJan

Making almond milk at home is a great way to control the ingredients and ensure it is free of unnecessary additives and preservatives. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious glass of almond milk. You can also use it in your favorite recipes.

Using a Food Processor or a Blender

You can use either a food processor or a blender to make almond milk. A high-powered blender such as a Blendtec or a Vitamix is ideal. However, if you don’t have one of these your regular blender will work. If you don’t have a blender you can use a food processor. Since a food processor is not usually watertight, processing nuts with liquid in a food processor may leak. The food processor will not pulverize the nuts as finely resulting in a grittier, less dense liquid.

How Do You Strain Almond Milk?

A nut bag, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh strainer can be used to strain your almond milk. Be sure to save the almond meal once you have strained your milk.

Do the Skins Need to Be Removed?

You don’t have to remove the skins before making almond milk, but the consistency will be a bit creamier if you do as well as be lighter in color and less bitter. The milk can be more gritty if you leave the skins on. Removing the skins is also time-consuming, but may be worth it depending on how you plan on using the milk.

How Do You Remove the Skins?

Put the almonds in a bowl and cover with an inch or so of water. Leave on the counter, covered overnight, or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Drain and rinse the nuts. Squeeze the almond between two fingers and the skins should come off easily.

How Long Does It Last in the Refrigerator?

Homemade almond milk does not last as long as purchased milk because it does not have all the preservatives. Therefore it is much healthier. Since it has a shorter shelf life, you should make only what you can use within 3-5 days. As with any food storing it for a shorter is better. Almond milk separates as it sits so don’t forget to shake it well before using it.

What Can I Do With Leftover Almond Meal?

Add the meal to oatmeal or smoothies. To use in baked goods, such as muffins, spread the meal evenly on a baking sheet and dry in a 225F oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until completely dry. Use it the same way you would almond flour. It will keep in the freezer for several months.

Almond Milk Recipe

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Equipment

Blender or Food Processor
Nut Bag, Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

1 Cup Raw Almonds (preferably organic)
4 Cups Filtered Water (tap water will affect the taste)

Instructions

Soaking the almonds first is optional. If you choose to soak them, place them in a bowl and cover with an inch or two of water. You can leave the bowl on the counter covered, overnight, or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Drain and rinse thoroughly with cool water. If you want to remove the skins, squeeze the almond between two fingers and the skin should come right off.
Place the nuts in the food processor with the metal blade or blender and 4 cups of water.
If using the food processor, process for 4 minutes, stopping halfway and pushing the sides down. If using a blender, pulse a couple times to help break the almonds, then blend on the highest speed for 2 minutes. (You should have a very fine meal; the water should be opaque and white.)
Strain the almonds with a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. If you are using a fine-mesh strainer, using a spoon, gently press out as much liquid as you can. If none of these options are available you could also use a coffee filter. You should have about 4 cups.

Notes

If you are using a high-speed blender there is no need to soak the almonds before processing. However, removing the skins will give you a sweeter, less bitter taste. Soaking them in water will help soften them and is necessary if you are using a regular blender or food processor.

You can change the water-to-almond ratio to suit your needs. The amount of water used will determine how thick the almond milk will be.

If you want your milk a little sweeter you can add about a teaspoon of honey. Or to change the flavor a bit, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon. You can experiment and flavor your milk however you like.