• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cheeky Chickpea
  • Home
  • Instant Pot
  • Sign up
  • About Vera
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Sign up
  • About
  • Contact
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
  • Breakfast & Baking
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Gluten free
  • Mains
  • Salads
  • Sauces & Dressings
  • Snacks & Sides
  • Soups
  • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • All Recipes
    • Sign up
    • About
    • Contact
    • Instant Pot
    • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
    • Breakfast & Baking
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten free
    • Mains
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Snacks & Sides
    • Soups
    • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Drinks

    Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

    Updated: May 30, 2023 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    9 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    One of the items you will always find in our refrigerator is almond milk. Whether it is plain, vanilla, or chocolate, it's a go-to non-dairy milk substitute we love. While there are many wonderful brands on the market, making this homemade almond milk recipe is a simple option that gives you a delicious beverage you will know all of the ingredients for. If you are plant-based, vegan, or lactose intolerant, this is a perfect non-dairy option.

    wood platter holding almonds next to a glass cup of almond milk
    Jump to:
    • Almond Milk Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Kitchen Tools Used
    • How do I Make Almond Milk at Home?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

    Almond Milk Recipe

    One of the things I love most about making this homemade almond milk recipe is how versatile it is. You can use it as a base for smoothies, add it to your coffee or tea, or even use it in recipes that call for milk. Plus, it's free of preservatives, additives, and sweeteners, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body.

    Another benefit of making your own almond milk is that it's much more cost-effective than buying it at the store. All you need are a few simple ingredients, a blender, and a little bit of time. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding sweeteners like dates or honey, or flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.

    One thing to keep in mind when making almond milk is that it does require a bit of planning ahead. You'll need to soak your almonds for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to soften them up and make them easier to blend. But trust me, it's worth the wait!

    Not sure how to use this in your menu? It's the perfect base for this vegan oat smoothie with peanut butter. Delicious and packed with fiber and protein!

    glass jar of almond milk with colorful design on wood tray with small glass of milk

    Ingredients

    Makes: 3 cups

    • 1 cup raw unpeeled almonds
    • 3 cups water
    • 2-3 pitted dates
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp salt
    round white ramekins of ingredients for almond milk recipe

    Kitchen Tools Used

    • Measuring cups and spoons: Every kitchen needs good tools for measuring ingredients. I recommend keeping a set of measuring spoons, dry measuring cups, and liquid measuring cups on hand in various sizes.
    • High-speed blender: I personally have a Ninja unit, but any high-quality blender works. You could use a food processor in a pinch for this.
    • Cheese cloth: Straining the milk after it is made is essential. The best way to do this is with cheesecloth that will get even the most minor bits of almonds and dates out of the milk.
    • Bottle or jar with lid: You'll want to store this in your refrigerator. I prefer mason jars, but you could use any jar or beverage pitcher.
    glass jar and cup o milk on wood platter sitting on marble table

    How do I Make Almond Milk at Home?

    This process requires you to have at least 6 hours of time to process. While the steps are simple, you do need to soak the almonds. So, plan ahead.

    In a large bowl, cover the almonds with cold water and then set them aside, loosely covered, for at least 6 hours, up to overnight.

    white bowl of almonds in water soaking

    After they have soaked, you will then drain them, and place the almonds into the blender alongside the salt, dates, vanilla extract, and 3 cups of water. Blend for around 1 minute, or until the almonds and dates are now fine or smooth. It will be a thicker liquid.

    blender of water and almonds

    Now, set up a piece of cheesecloth or a fine sieve over a bowl. Pour the blended liquid over the cheesecloth and squeeze as much liquid out of the mixture as possible.

    almond milk in cheese cloth

    Once strained, pour the almond milk into your bottle with a lid, and refrigerate until time to use.

    almond milk being poured into a glass jar
    gray napkin on table by serving tray holding milk in small glass by glass jar

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to soak almonds before making almond milk?

    Absolutely. It's necessary to soak the almonds for at least 6 hours but no longer than overnight. This allows you to soften the almonds but not let them sit so long that they create bacteria or mold.

    How long can I store homemade almond milk?

    Homemade almond milk is good for up to 6 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. While you can store it in a pitcher, this will take on flavors in the refrigerator, so I recommend pouring it into a jar with a lid.

    Can I add sweeteners or flavors to almond milk?

    Definitely! For this recipe, I used dates as a natural sweetener. You can use any favorite sweetener to taste. I recommend starting with a small amount, tasting, and adding until you find the flavor you prefer.

    Is homemade almond milk healthier than store-bought almond milk?

    This really depends upon the brand of almond milk you purchase, and what you consider healthy. Making your own is nice to save money if you are able to purchase the almonds at a good price in bulk. Otherwise, the benefits are limited amounts of preservatives, if any, which are in general thought to be much healthier.

    How much almond milk does one cup of almonds yield?

    This depends upon your preferred richness, thickness, and flavor. Using 1 cup of almonds would be reasonable for making 3 cups of almond milk, but depending upon your preferences, it could be up to 4 cups of milk.

    tall glass pitcher on tray holding homemade almond milk recipe next to blue napkin

    More Vegan Basics Recipes

    When you first begin a non-dairy, plant-based, or vegan lifestyle, you'll find yourself missing some basic foods. Replacements are easy to find in the market, but making homemade options is sure to be a better choice with better flavors. Below are some more of those classic items you can make to replace what you used to buy in the market. Bookmark, print, or pin your favorites from this list!

    • Tofu Feta (Vegan Feta Cheese)
    • Easy Vegan Cottage Cheese Recipe
    • Best Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
    • Best Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe
    • Vegan Ricotta Cheese
    • Best Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe
    • Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce (GF)

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based  & Vegan Recipes❤️

    glass jar of almond milk with colorful design on wood tray with small glass of milk

    Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

    Katie Hale
    Learn how to make delicious almond milk at home with this easy recipe. A vegan, dairy-free, and healthy addition to your menu!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3
    Calories 280 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup raw unpeeled almonds
    • 3 cups water
    • 2-3 pcs dates pitted
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by soaking your almonds in cold water for at least 6 hours or overnight, allowing them to soften and prepare for blending.
      white bowl of almonds in water soaking
    • Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the almonds to the cup of a high-speed blender. Add salt, vanilla, dates, and water, and blend the ingredients together for roughly 1 minute until smooth liquid forms.
      almonds in bottom of blender
    • Next, prepare a colander lined with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth or a milk bag, and pour the blended almond mixture over the top. Using your hands, gently squeeze the cheesecloth or milk bag to extract as much liquid as possible from the almonds.
      hand squeezing almond milk out of cheese cloth into bowl
    • Once the liquid has been strained, transfer it to a bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator.
      gray napkin on table by serving tray holding milk in small glass by glass jar

    Video

    Notes

    1. Store for up to 6 days in the refrigerator.
    2. Add your preferred sweetener to the milk. Options include sugar, maple syrup, agave, stevia, or flavored syrups.
    3. Add 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup to the 3 cups of almond milk to create a chocolate version if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 206mgPotassium: 355mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 136mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword almond milk recipe, homemade almond milk
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Drinks

    • short glass of Bailey's sitting on wood coaster by striped tea towel
      Homemade Vegan Bailey's Irish Cream
    • wood platter on marble table topped by cups of milk by glass pitcher of milk
      Homemade Soy Milk Recipe
    • glass mug of layered coffee drink topped by foam and drizzle of syrup sitting on gray tray
      Vegan Apple Crisp Macchiato
    • short glass filled with oat smoothie sitting on dark wood board
      Vegan Oat Smoothie with Peanut Butter
    9 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vickie

      March 22, 2023 at 1:33 pm

      Hi Vera! I love all your recipes and have some favorites that I return to time and again. My question is this: Do you have a recipe for how to use the leftover almond okara when you strain the milk? I really like almond milk but so much gets wasted by making it into milk. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Katie Hale

        April 30, 2023 at 10:45 am

        I do not have any currently, but will definitely add some reminders to check out ideas soon 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Vera Morgan profile pic - Vegan recipes

    Hi, I’m Vera! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

    More about me →

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Latest Recipes

    • Easy vegan pesto salad served in a wooden bowl.
      Oil Free Vegan Pasta Salad
    • Easy vegan salad with Caesar dressing
      Easy Salad with Vegan Caesar Dressing
    • oval white platter of morroccan couscous salad
      Moroccan Inspired Couscous Salad
    • white bowl of potato salad with forks in both sides
      Vegan Potato Salad without Mayonnaise

    Popular Posts

    • a slice of vegan chocolate cake on a plate with a fork
      The Best Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake
    • vegan meatballs on a platter with a fork
      Best Vegan Meatballs! (Impossible Burger)
    • ramen soup in a bowl with chopsticks
      5 Minute Vegan Ramen (Instant Noodles)
    • vegan chili in a white bowl with salsa and avocado
      Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe
    • vegan meatloaf sliced on a platter
      Best Vegan Meatloaf Recipe! (Impossible Burger)
    • chili garlic noodles in a bowl with sweet spicy asian sauce and chopsticks
      Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

    Categories

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Nutritional Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact
    • Affiliate and Photo Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Cheeky Chickpea