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Almond coconut milk is made by blending soaked almonds and fresh coconut meat with water, then straining the mixture into a smooth, creamy plant-based milk.
It’s one of those homemade drinks that tastes so much better than anything from a carton, and it only needs three main ingredients.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make almond coconut milk at home, the good news is that it’s simple, affordable, and you don’t need any fancy equipment beyond a blender.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make almond coconut milk step by step, the ingredients you’ll need, a few flavor variations, and how to store it so it stays fresh.
Let’s get into it.
How to Make Almond Coconut Milk
Learning how to make almond coconut milk comes down to three simple stages: soaking, blending, and straining.
Once you understand these stages, the whole process takes less than fifteen minutes of hands-on work.
Here’s how to make almond coconut milk from scratch.
1. Soak the Almonds
Start by soaking one cup of raw almonds in water overnight, or for at least six hours.
Soaking softens the almonds so they blend into a smoother milk and release more of their natural creaminess.
It also helps make the almonds easier to digest.
If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about an hour instead.
Just drain and rinse them well before using.
2. Prepare the Coconut
For the coconut part of your almond coconut milk, you have two options.
You can use one cup of fresh coconut meat from a mature coconut, or one cup of unsweetened desiccated coconut soaked in hot water for about twenty minutes.
Fresh coconut meat gives the creamiest result, but desiccated coconut works beautifully when you want to make almond coconut milk quickly.
If you’re using fresh coconut, chop the meat into small pieces so it blends evenly.
3. Blend Almonds and Coconut Together
Add the drained almonds and prepared coconut to your blender.
Pour in four cups of fresh filtered water.
Blend on high for about one to two minutes until the mixture looks milky and the solids are finely broken down.
This is the step where your almond coconut milk really comes together, so don’t rush it.
If your blender struggles, blend in two batches.
4. Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh strainer lined with cloth.
Squeeze gently to extract as much almond coconut milk as possible.
The pulp left behind can be composted or dried and used in baking.
The liquid you’re left with is your fresh, homemade almond coconut milk.
5. Sweeten and Flavor It
Taste your almond coconut milk and adjust it to your liking.
For a lightly sweet version, add one to two pitted Medjool dates and blend again until smooth.
A pinch of sea salt brings out the natural flavors, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth.
Blend once more, then strain again if needed.
Tips for the Best Almond Coconut Milk
A few small details make a big difference when you make almond coconut milk at home.
1. Use Cold Water for a Fresher Taste
Filtered cold water keeps the flavor clean and makes your almond coconut milk taste brighter.
Tap water with a strong chlorine taste can dull the flavor of the almonds and coconut.
2. Don’t Skip the Soaking Step
Soaking is what separates creamy almond coconut milk from gritty, watery milk.
It softens the almonds so they break down fully in the blender.
3. Strain Twice for Extra Smoothness
If you want your almond coconut milk silky smooth, strain it a second time through a clean cloth.
It takes an extra minute but gives you a texture closer to store-bought milk.
How to Store Homemade Almond Coconut Milk
Fresh almond coconut milk lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator.
Store it in a sealed glass jar or bottle and keep it toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is coldest.
Shake well before each use, since homemade almond coconut milk separates naturally.
If you want it to last longer, you can freeze almond coconut milk in ice cube trays and thaw portions as needed.
Just know that freezing may slightly change the texture, so stir it well after thawing.
Always give it a sniff before drinking, and discard it if it smells sour or looks separated beyond a quick shake.
So, How Do You Make Almond Coconut Milk?
You make almond coconut milk by soaking almonds, blending them with fresh coconut meat and water, then straining the mixture into a smooth, creamy milk.
It only takes three main ingredients and a blender, and the result tastes far fresher than anything from a store shelf.
Soak, blend, strain, and sweeten to taste.
Once you know how to make almond coconut milk, you’ll never want to buy it again.