5 Tips For Making Your Own Almond Milk

Whether you drink almond milk due to a vegan diet, lactose intolerance or just because you enjoy its creamy, nutty flavor, you owe it to yourself to try making your own. As you learn cooking basics, almond milk will be a simple and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Plus you’ll save money at the grocery store. Follow these tips to ensure your almond milk comes out tasting great whether it’s an ingredient in your recipes or just for enjoying straight from the glass:

1. Soak the almonds first
If you want your almond milk to come out extra smooth, the key is immersing the nuts in water ahead of time. Place a cup of raw almonds in a bowl with about an inch of water, and cover with a cloth. Let the nuts soak in the liquid and plump up overnight, or at least six hours. If you want even creamier results, the Kitchn suggested allowing the almonds to soak for up to two days in the refrigerator.

Serious Eats pointed out that the soaking process is also a good time to add additional flavor by mixing in aromatics like cacao nibs. Throw in some vanilla extract and agave as well, and you will have a tasty chocolate milk or hot chocolate.

2. Consider the proportions of water and nuts
After you drain and rinse the soaked nuts, place them in a blender with 2 to 4 cups of water. Keep in mind that getting the quantities of water and almonds right will make a tremendous difference in your results. Bon Appetit recommended a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part nuts, but you might consider pouring in less water if you like a stronger flavor.

3. Blend and strain thoroughly
After a couple pulses to break up the almonds, kick your blender up to top speed for two minutes. Bon Appetit food director Carla Lalli Music emphasized the importance of using a powerful machine for this job.

“Your milk will only be as good as your blender,” Music said.

If you are using the almond milk for cooking, you may be finished after blending. However, to get the milk smooth enough for drinking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Use a nut bag or cheese cloth to catch the especially fine bits. To maximize the amount of milk you have available close the bag around the almond meal and squeeze the liquid out.

4. Add flavors
At this stage, you should taste your almond milk. If you’re pleased with its flavor, you don’t need any further ingredients. However, if you would prefer a sweeter milk, mix in some additional flavors. Real Simple suggested using 1 to 3 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup, depending on your preferences. If you like, you might also add a pinch of salt.

5. Use soon
Keep your almond milk in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The milk can keep for up to a week, but for best flavor you should use it within four days. Pour a glass and enjoy an exceptionally fresh and tasty beverage.