Go Nuts: 7 Go-to Nut Milk Recipes

by Kristen Troy

Since the early 2000’s, nut milks have grown in popularity, going from solely almond milk to five commercialized types, including cashew, pistachio, hazelnut, pecan, and macadamia nut milks.  

Including nut milks in your diet can serve many purposes. They can be a dairy replacement, add variety of flavors, and accommodate diets such as vegan, raw, gluten free, or paleo. Nut milks can also be used in coffee, tea, smoothies, dressings, sauces, with hot and cold cereal, or as a drink. 

You can purchase nut milks at most grocery stores, but if you have a food processor or high-power blender, you can also make them at home. Making your own nut milk is easy. You can customize the flavor, and it won’t contain any additives. 

Directions for Making Any Nut Milk

The basic process of making nut milk is the same across all nuts, the ratios of un-soaked nuts and water that varies. The first step is to cover the nuts with water and let them soak in the fridge overnight. In the morning drain and rinse the nuts. Then, you will put the rinsed nuts in your food processor or blender with the amount of water that is required for the type of nut you are working with. Blend the water, nuts, and any flavorful ingredients you would like to add, until the mixture is smooth. If you find that there are any chunks, pour the mixture through cheesecloth and squeeze the mixture through.

Ratios

• Cashew Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked cashews
  • 4 cups water to blend

• Pistachio Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked, shelled pistachios
  • 3 cups water to blend

• Pecan Milk
  • 3/4 cup un-soaked pecans
  • 4 cups water to blend

• Almond Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked almonds
  • 3 cups water to blend

• Macadamia Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked macadamia nuts
  • 3 cups water to blend

• Hazelnut Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked hazelnuts
  • 3 cups water to blend

• Walnut Milk
  • 1 cup un-soaked walnuts
  • 3 cups water to blend

To customize your milk, consider adding any one of the following ingredients when blending:  

• A teaspoon of vanil
• 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• A teaspoon of cinnamon 
• 4-6 pitted dates 
• 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder 
• 3 cups fresh strawberries 
• 2-3 tablespoons honey 

If you feel experimental, try adding other flavors, sugar alternatives, or fresh fruits.  

Now, go nuts!