Place raw almonds in a glass bowl.

Add enough water to cover almonds completely.

Soak almonds overnight, or at least 6 hours, until swollen.

Drain water and rinse almonds after soaking.

Place half of the soaked almonds and half of the filtered water in a blender.

Blend for at least 45 seconds, or longer, until there are no large almond pieces.

Pour the blended mixture into a cheesecloth or fine colander.

Drain the milk from the almond pulp.

Repeat the process with the remaining almonds and water.

Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or two vanilla beans along with your choice of sweetener (Stevia, Splenda, sugar, honey, agave, or 4 to 6 soaked raw dates).

If using dates, puree them along with the almonds.