Homemade almond milk is a simple plant-based drink made from raw almonds and water. You can control its consistency, leave it unsweetened, or add dates, cinnamon or vanilla. This recipe uses the Spanish Marcona almond, prized for its delicate flavour, although other raw, unsalted almonds also work.
Ingredients for approximately four servings
- 100 g raw, unsalted Marcona almonds
- 1 litre fresh drinking water
- A pinch of salt
- 2 pitted dates, optional
Adjust the texture: one litre of water for 100 g of almonds makes a relatively light drink. For a creamier result, try 500–750 ml. The yield will depend on how firmly you squeeze the almond pulp.
How to make almond milk, step by step
- Place the raw almonds in plenty of water and soak for at least six hours, preferably overnight. Drain and discard the soaking water.
- Transfer the drained almonds to a blender. If they have skins, you may peel them first, but this is optional.
- Add one litre of fresh drinking water and a pinch of salt. For sweetness, add two pitted dates if desired.
- Blend thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and milky. A powerful blender may need one to two minutes.
- Strain through a nut-milk bag, clean cloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean jug. Squeeze gently to extract the liquid.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in a clean, airtight container. Shake before serving, as natural separation is normal.
How long does homemade almond milk keep?
Unlike commercially sterilised drinks, homemade almond milk contains no preservatives and has not been heat-treated. Keep it refrigerated at 4°C or below, use clean utensils and aim to drink it within 24–48 hours. Discard it sooner if its smell, appearance or taste changes. Do not leave it at room temperature for long periods.
Variations and ways to use it
Add ground cinnamon, a little vanilla, or unsweetened cocoa to the blender for different flavours. Use the drink in porridge, smoothies, coffee, pancakes or homemade desserts. You can also dry the leftover almond pulp and incorporate it into suitable baking recipes.
Is almond milk healthy?
Unsweetened homemade almond milk can be part of a varied diet, but its nutritional content depends on the amount of almonds used and how thoroughly it is strained. In particular, it is usually much lower in protein than cow’s milk, and homemade versions are not fortified with calcium or vitamin B12. Do not assume that it provides the same nutrients as a fortified commercial drink. It contains almonds, a tree-nut allergen, and is therefore unsuitable for people with an almond allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to peel the almonds?
No. Blanched almonds can give a paler, smoother result, but almonds with their skins can also be used.
Can I make almond milk without sugar?
Yes. Simply omit the dates and any other sweetener.
Can I use roasted almonds?
Raw, unsalted almonds produce the most neutral flavour. Roasted nuts impart a different taste and may be more difficult to blend into a smooth drink.
To discover our Spanish almond and traditional nougat range, visit Turrones y Dulces in English.