I have another Meatless Monday post for you today or maybe it should be called Dairyless Monday. We’re talking about making your own almond milk today! I posted a DIY almond milk recipe awhile ago but since then I’ve perfected the recipe and wanted to share a version I recently made with coconut. This almond milk is sweetened dried dates, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. I like to drink it straight out of the fridge but it is also great in smoothies, tea or coffee, or with granola. I know milk alternatives are really popular right now – there’s almond, cashew, rice, hemp, coconut, the list could go on. Each type has its own nutritional benefits. I don’t have a strong opinion about one type of milk being better than the other. I think it is always a good idea to include a variety of foods in your diet including different types of milk. If you’re looking for high protein milk, cow’s milk is most likely always going to win followed closely by soy milk. I have seen different almond and coconut milks now with added protein in the stores too. Always a good idea to check the nutrition labels to find the right milk for your needs. 
Table from Food & Nutrition. org by Jessie Erwin who blogs at The Happiness in Health 
There are two things that are key to making homemade nut milk: 1. Planning ahead – it helps to soak the almonds for at least a few hours before hand. 2. A nut milk bag – I resisted buying one of these and was just using a strainer but a bag really does help get all the pulp out so you are left with a smooth milk. You can find them online (I have –affiliate link) or at health food stores.
This milk bottle is acutally an antique milk bottle from my Great Grandpa’s Dairy – Lake Shore Dairy in Holland, MI. He would get the milk from the farmers and then pasteurize, bottle and deliver the milk himself. This size bottle was what was delivered to schools. I love having a piece of family history that I can still use in the kitchen today!
Coconut Almond Milk
5 pitted dates (if dried out, rehydrate in warm water) 2 cups almonds, soaked for at least 2-3 hours 1 cup shredded coconut 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla 5 cups warm to hot water Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend until contents are milky white and the almonds are ground to a smooth pulp. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or use a nut milk bag. Save the pulp to use in breads/baked goods or dry out and use as you would use almond meal. Store milk in an airtight jar in the fridge. What kind of milk do you drink? Have you ever made your own milk? Be Happy, Be Healthy!
I’ve never had a desire to make a nut milk but your photos are so enticing – I think I may try it
P.S. I hit post too soon – love the history behind the milk bottle! I use to collect glass milk bottles as my dad’s family all had dairy farmers outside of Erie, PA (and I worked for the Dairy Council for many years too
Thank you Deanna! I love antique milk bottles…between those and my blue mason jar addiction, I’m afraid I’m becoming an antique glass hoarder.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I agree with you Deanna! The photos are beautiful! I think I made an impulse purchase of a nut milk bag a while back…I’ll have to dig it out and give this a try
Thanks Rachel! I hope you try to use your nut milk bag soon – it is pretty fun to use!
Fabulous nut milk combo! When I make my own I go with almond or cashew (or mix them!) Usually I just buy Silk’s Unsweetened Almond (always number 1) or cashew, or Good Karma’s Flax milk!
I just made one similar to this, except i didn’t use dates and cinnamon! Looks so good
Thanks Rachel! It really is pretty easy to make your own, isn’t it?