Recipe by Bhaeravii Devi

Yoga philosophy teaches that the body’s life-force energy—its prana—comes from air, water, and food. Eating pure, yogic foods increases our prana and nourishes body, mind, and spirit. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most influential Hindu texts, includes a holistic philosophy of nutrition based on the nature of food’s vibrational energy, which falls into three gunas, or categories of nature. Homemade nut milks have deliciously strong prana.

If you forget to soak almonds, make nut milk with a combination of hemp and macadamia nuts. Since neither has a skin, you won’t need to soak them to remove phytic acid (a nutrient blocker in the skin that protects the seed from sprouting). Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also deliciously rich and flavorful. For these flavored milks, I recommend getting out your nut milk bag. The silky consistency of the strained milk allows their more delicate flavors to shine and gives a perfect clean and refreshing finish. Unlike a smoothie these milks won’t fill you up, making them a perfect between meals treat. The addition of coconut butter gives a nice hint of sweetness and adds a little richness too. They’re best served cold and keep well in the fridge for a few days. 

Hemp macadamia nut milk base

This hemp macadamia nut milk is a favorite nut milk with or without the added flavors. Rich in protein and omega fatty acids, hemp seeds taste fresh and slightly grassy when made into milk. The macadamias add a mellow sweet flavor and luscious creamy texture.Don’t worry if you forget to soak the macadamia nuts, they blend pretty well in an upright blender.

 ½ cup macadamia nuts, soaked in a cup of water for 2 to 4 hours

½ cup hemp seeds

4 cups filtered water

2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla

Tiny pinch sea salt

Drain and rinse macadamia nuts. Place in an upright blender along with remaining ingredients. Blend on high speed until smooth and foaming.

Use as is or strain milk through a nut milk bag, several layers of cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel. Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Makes about 4 cups.

Famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, fresh turmeric (if you can find it) also has an intriguing tropical flavor and beautiful golden color. It’s slight astringent and bitter flavors are mellowed out by a touch of honey but you can drink it strait up if you’re used to the unusual flavor. Dried turmeric can be used instead of fresh, start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.

½ inch piece peeled and chopped fresh turmeric root, or more to taste

½ to 1 teaspoon honey or other liquid sweetener

1 teaspoon coconut butter

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth and serve chilled.

Raw cacao is high in magnesium and contains more antioxidant flavonoids than green tea or blueberries. It also has a deeply satisfying chocolate flavor without the sugar or dairy.

2 to 3 teaspoons raw cacao powder

2 teaspoons coconut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth and serve chilled.

When blended with nut milk the strong and slightly astringent flavors of goji berries are mellowed out and you’re left with a pretty colored sweet drink that’s loaded with antioxidants. If you don’t have goji berry powder soak 2 to 3 tablespoons goji berries in a little water until soft, drain and blend with the ingredients below.

3 to 4 teaspoons goji berry powder

1 teaspoon coconut butter

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth. Serve chilled.

This milk is great with any fresh berries; since there are no other strong flavors in the mix, the fragrance and lovely color of blueberries really shines.

½ cup fresh blueberries

1 teaspoon coconut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth. Serve chilled

This milk makes the perfect light dessert. The medjool dates add a sweet caramel flavor while thickening the texture slightly and vanilla beans, cardamom and nutmeg add an irresistible exotic flavor.

½ a vanilla bean, seeds scraped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch ground cardamom

Pinch freshly ground nutmeg

2 pitted Medjool dates

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth and serve chilled.