Dreamy and Delicious: How to Make Macadamia Milk at Home

What Are the Health Benefits of Macadamia Milk?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make macadamia milk, let's see what all the fuss is about. All the nutrition comes from macadamias themselves, so let's take a look at what makes these little beige beauties so healthy.

Macadamias are a type of nut native to Australia, thriving in the fertile, subtropical regions of Queensland and New South Wales. These creamy, round nuts grow on evergreen trees and are prized for their rich, buttery flavour. Today, macadamias are also cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Hawaii and South Africa, but their Australian origins remain a point of pride for local Aussies. It's certainly high up on the list in terms of Australia's greatest exports, alongside the Hills Hoist.

Macadamias are high in:

• Saturated and unsaturated fat

• Protein

• B vitamins

• Manganese

• Magnesium

• Iron

These moreish nuts have also been found to support weight loss, promote heart health and help with cognitive function. Are you nutty about macadamias? Check out these healthy macadamia recipes celebrating everything you love about these glorious morsels.

Why You Should Make Your Own Macadamia Milk 

Making your own nut milk is a simple, rewarding and healthy choice you can make for yourself and your family. Much like almond milk, making your macadamia milk is delicious and relatively simple to do at home.

While store-bought nut milks are convenient, they often contain fillers, stabilisers, and additives like gums or oils to improve texture or shelf life. These extra ingredients may not always benefit your health and can sometimes cause digestive discomfort for sensitive people. 

By crafting your own macadamia milk, you have complete control over what goes into it, ensuring a pure and natural product without unnecessary additives. Homemade macadamia milk is simply the result of blending macadamia nuts, water and perhaps a natural sweetener or flavouring if desired. Not only does this mean a cleaner, fresher product, but it also allows you to adjust taste and creaminess to suit your personal preferences. Beyond the health benefits, making macadamia milk at home can also be a more sustainable option as it reduces packaging waste. It's an easy way to enjoy a wholesome, balanced beverage you can feel confident about.

What You’ll Need to Make Your Own Macadamia Milk

Making macadamia milk is surprisingly simple. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for your DIY plant-based milk:

• 1 cup macadamia nuts (raw and unsalted)

• 4 cups water (filtered)

• 1-2 pitted Medjool dates or 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for sweetness)

• A pinch of salt

• Nut milk bag, muslin cloth or fine mesh strainer

• Blender

Now that you have your ingredients ready, here’s how to make macadamia milk step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Macadamia Milk

Step 1: Soak the macadamia nuts

Place the macadamia nuts in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 4-8 hours (or overnight) to soften. This step is important and makes blending easier while improving the texture of your milk to make it silky and smooth.

Step 2: Rinse and drain 

After soaking, drain the macadamia nuts and rinse them under cold water to remove any residue.

Step 3: Blend 

Add the soaked macadamia nuts, 4 cups of water and any optional ingredients (dates, vanilla extract, salt, etc.) to your blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Strain 

Place a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer to separate the liquid from the pulp. Squeeze the bag gently to extract as much milk as possible.

Step 5: Transfer to a container 

Pour your freshly made macadamia milk into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 6: Enjoy

Refrigerate for up to 5 days and give it a good shake before drinking, as separation is natural.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Macadamia Milk

• Don’t Skip the Soak: This step helps achieve a smoother and creamier consistency.

• Control the Creaminess: For creamier milk, use less water. For a lighter version, add more.

• Use High-Quality Macadamia Nuts: Fresh, raw macadamia nuts will give you the best flavour and texture.

• Reuse the Pulp: Blend the leftover pulp into smoothies, bake it into cookies, or even add it to pancake batter for a waste-free approach.

Cheat Mode for Making Macadamia Nut Milk 

Pressed for time but still craving creamy macadamia nut milk? Try this simple cheat mode!

Instead of blending whole macadamia nuts, use macadamia butter for a quick and easy alternative. Combine one part macadamia butter with three parts water in a blender and blitz until smooth. This method delivers the same dreamy, creamy texture with virtually no prep time. Plus, macadamia butter ensures a rich, nutty flavour every time, making it a perfect option for busy mornings or last-minute recipes. Explore a delightful selection of nut butters here.

How to Flavour Your Macadamia Milk

Enhance your homemade macadamia milk by adding unique flavours to suit your taste preferences or for specific recipes. Here are some fun and easy ways to customise your macadamia milk:

1. Chocolate Macadamia Milk 

Add 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder to your macadamia milk for a rich, chocolatey twist. Blend thoroughly and enjoy as a wholesome treat or as a base for hot cocoa. Sweeten with a touch of maple syrup or your preferred sweetener for added indulgence.

2. Berry Macadamia Milk 

Blend in a handful of fresh or frozen raspberries to create a deliciously fruity berry milk. This option is perfect for smoothies, breakfast bowls, or as a refreshing standalone drink. Strain the milk if you prefer a smoother texture.

3. Cinnamon Doughnut Macadamia Milk 

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract to transform your macadamia milk into a comforting, doughnut-inspired delight. This flavour pairs wonderfully with coffee or as a warming evening beverage.

4. Green Tea Macadamia Milk 

Mix in 1 teaspoon of matcha powder for a subtle, earthy taste and a natural energy boost. This green tea macadamia milk is excellent for lattes or a nourishing mid-day pick-me-up.

5. Turmeric and Ginger Macadamia Milk 

Infuse with ground turmeric, fresh or powdered ginger, and a bit of raw honey for a golden milk-style twist.

How to Store Macadamia Milk 

Homemade macadamia milk lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. Always shake it well before use, as natural separation will occur. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy, single-serving portions.

Delicious and Nutritious Ways to Use Macadamia Milk

• Smoothies: Blend macadamia milk with your favourite fruits, vegetables, and a handful of nuts or seeds for a creamy, nutrient-rich smoothie.

• Cereal and Granola: Pour macadamia milk over your morning cereal or homemade granola for an indulgent yet healthy breakfast option.

• Coffee and Tea: Add macadamia milk to your coffee or tea for a velvety, dairy-free alternative—perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, or chai tea.

• Overnight Oats: Combine macadamia milk with oats, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a quick and nutritious grab-and-go breakfast.

• Soups: Use macadamia milk to add depth and creaminess to pureed soups like pumpkin, cauliflower or tomato soup.

• Pancakes and Waffles: Enhance your pancake or waffle batter game with macadamia milk for irresistibly soft and fluffy results.

• Pasta Sauces: Incorporate macadamia milk into creamy sauces, like Alfredo, macaroni and cheese or classic bechamel, for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

• Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts: Use macadamia milk as a base for homemade ice cream or popsicles for a decadent, indulgent treat.
  

Get Blending Your Own Macadamia Milk Today

 
Making your own macadamia milk is easier and more rewarding than you might think. It’s not just about saving money but also about taking control of the ingredients you consume and enjoying fresh, creamy plant-based milk tailored to your taste. Try it, experiment with flavours and see how fast you fall in love with this delicious homemade nut milk.

3 Delightful Recipes Using Macadamia Milk

Looking for ways to enjoy your homemade macadamia milk? Here are three easy recipes to try: