How to Make Almond Milk

Learn how to make almond milk from scratch! Creamy and flavorful, it's delicious in smoothies, lattes, oatmeal, baked goods, and more.

Almond milk

There’s no denying that store bought almond milk is convenient, but when you have the time, making homemade almond milk is always worth it. It’s creamier and nuttier than commercial almond milk, and it’s made with just 2 ingredients: almonds and water. No stabilizers or shelf-life-extending additives here!

You’ll find my method for how to make almond milk below. It’s amazingly simple – just soak, blend, and strain! – and the milk itself is super versatile. You can splash it over granola, add it to a latte, blend it into a smoothie, or use it in your favorite baked goods. And that’s just the start! Once you have homemade almond milk on hand, you’ll find a million ways to use it.

Soaked almonds in a bowl

How to Make Almond Milk

If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is a great recipe to have in your back pocket. It’s SO simple, and it’s by far the tastiest plant-based milk alternative I’ve tried.

You’ll find my complete almond milk recipe with measurements below. Here’s an overview of how to make it:

First, soak the almondsHeads up! You’ll need to plan ahead when you make this recipe, as the almonds need to soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight, before you blend them into milk. Soaking almonds makes them easier to blend, resulting in a creamier milk that won’t be too hard on your blender.

Drain the nuts after they soak. They should be nice and plump (see the photo above).

Almonds and water in a blender

Next, blend. Place the almonds in a blender with 3 1/2 cups filtered water.

Blended nuts and water

Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until creamy. The timing will depend on how powerful your blender is.

Pouring blended almond milk into a nut milk bag over a large bowl

Then, strain the milk. At this stage, the almond milk will look creamy, but it will still have little almond pieces inside it. Straining the milk removes this pulp, so that it’s smooth, not gritty.

How to make almond milk - straining through a nut milk bag

Set a nut milk bag over a large bowl, and pour in the milk. Bring the top of the bag together, and use your hands to press and squeeze out as much liquid as you can.

That’s it! If you prefer a sweeter plant-based milk, stir in a little maple syrup and vanilla extract to taste.

Use the homemade almond milk right away, or store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. It will separate as it sits. Just stir or shake to combine it before using!

Hands squeezing nut milk bag over large bowl

How to Use Homemade Almond Milk

Have fun experimenting with different ways to use your homemade almond milk. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:

Let me know what ideas you try!

Almond milk recipe

More Essential Plant-Based Recipes

If you love this recipe, try making these plant-based basics next:

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Almond Milk

rate this recipe:
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
Learn how to make almond milk at home! This creamy, flavorful plant milk will keep in the fridge for up to a week. It will separate with time. Just stir or shake to combine it before using!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight
  • cups filtered water

Optional sweetener

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine the almonds and water in a blender and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until creamy.
  • Place a nut milk bag over a large bowl and strain the milk, squeezing out as much liquid as you can.
  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla, if desired.

13 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Llany
    03.04.2023

    Is it possible to use the almonds sliced instead of whole?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.09.2023

      Hi, yes! Sliced raw almonds will work fine here.

  2. Riza
    08.25.2022

    Is there nutritional fact for Almond milk?

  3. Lisa
    03.19.2021

    Yes … please post ideas for using the almond pulp. I can’t see making it if I don’t have ways to use the pulp.

  4. Sara F
    03.16.2021

    5 stars
    Love this! I have been making her oat milk recipe for a while! This was also great! I was hand straining but I purchased the nut bag linked at the bottom! Totally worth it and saved me a bunch of time!!!

    Would like to see recipes for the pulp in the future!

  5. Sabrina from newkitchenlife.com
    03.06.2021

    thank you, great to be able to make almond milk from raw almonds instead of buying it in the store,

  6. Jcb from Wordpress
    03.04.2021

    Does it have to be a high speed blender or can a regular blender be used?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      03.04.2021

      You can use whatever blender you have! A high speed one might give you less pulp at the end.

  7. Rachel
    03.02.2021

    This looks great but it would be helpful to see tips/recipes for the leftover almond pulp. Seems a shame to just toss… thx!

    • Beth Ann
      03.03.2021

      Hey Rachel!
      I’ve found it adds a delicious flavor and crunch to Jeanine’s fabulous granola recipe! When I have pulp, I keep it in the freezer for this. I’m sure Jeanine may have other suggestions as well. 😀

      • Jeanine Donofrio
        03.03.2021

        Oh I love that idea!

  8. Harriet
    03.02.2021

    Oh, I’ve always wanted to try making almond milk! This recipe looks so easy. I can’t wait to try it.

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.