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You can make homemade almond milk by blending soaked almonds with fresh water, then straining the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
It’s a simple process that takes about 10 minutes of hands-on work once your almonds have soaked.
The result is a creamy, fresh almond milk that tastes far better than most store-bought versions because you control exactly what goes into it.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make homemade almond milk step by step, from soaking the almonds to storing your finished milk properly.
Let’s get to it.
Why Make Homemade Almond Milk
Making homemade almond milk comes with several perks that store-bought cartons just can’t match:
1. You Control the Ingredients
When you make homemade almond milk, you decide exactly what goes in.
Most commercial almond milks contain stabilizers, emulsifiers, and added sugars you don’t need.
Your homemade almond milk needs only two ingredients: almonds and water.
You can add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla if you like, but that’s entirely up to you.
2. It Tastes Fresher and Creamier
Homemade almond milk has a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to find in a carton.
Because you’re using whole almonds and drinking it fresh, the taste of homemade almond milk is noticeably smoother and creamier.
Once you get used to making almond milk at home, the store-bought stuff starts tasting watery by comparison.
3. It’s More Affordable Long-Term
A bag of raw almonds costs far less per serving than buying cartons of almond milk every week.
When you make homemade almond milk regularly, the savings add up quickly.
You’re essentially paying for almonds and water, nothing more.
How Do You Make Homemade Almond Milk Step by Step
Learning how to make homemade almond milk is straightforward once you know the process:
1. Soak the Almonds
Start by soaking 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Soaking softens the almonds, making them easier to blend and easier to digest.
You can soak them in the fridge if you prefer, and a pinch of salt in the soaking water helps too.
If you’re short on time, soaking in hot water for 1 to 2 hours works in a pinch.
2. Rinse and Blend
Drain and rinse the soaked almonds well, then add them to a high-speed blender.
Pour in 3 to 4 cups of fresh cold water, depending on how creamy you want your homemade almond milk.
Blend on high for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and milky.
Add a pinch of salt, a date, or a few drops of vanilla extract before blending if you want extra flavor.
3. Strain the Mixture
Place a nut milk bag or a few layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher.
Pour the blended almond milk through the bag and squeeze gently to extract all the liquid.
Don’t toss the pulp—it’s great for baking or adding to smoothies.
Straining is what gives homemade almond milk its smooth texture, so take your time here.
4. Store Your Almond Milk Properly
Transfer your finished homemade almond milk into a clean glass jar or bottle with a lid.
Store it in the fridge and use it within 3 to 5 days for the best freshness.
Always give the jar a good shake before using it, since homemade almond milk separates naturally.
Tips for the Best Homemade Almond Milk
A few simple tweaks make the process of making homemade almond milk even better:
1. Use Raw, Unsalted Almonds
Raw almonds give you the cleanest flavor for homemade almond milk.
Roasted or salted almonds will change the taste significantly, so stick with raw for a classic result.
2. Adjust the Water Ratio
The amount of water you use in homemade almond milk controls its richness.
Use 3 cups of water for creamier milk or 4 cups for a lighter, more drinkable consistency.
3. Keep Everything Cold and Clean
Homemade almond milk has no preservatives, so cleanliness matters.
Use clean jars, cold water, and store your almond milk promptly to keep it fresh as long as possible.
So, How Do You Make Homemade Almond Milk?
You can make homemade almond milk by blending soaked almonds with water and straining the mixture—nothing complicated at all.
With just almonds, water, and a blender, you’ve got fresh almond milk ready to enjoy in minutes.
Keep it in the fridge, shake before serving, and make small batches so it stays fresh.
Now that you know how to make homemade almond milk, you’ll never want to go back to the carton version again.