Oat milk + Chocolate Oat Milk

Hey sunshine! 
So, recently, I've seen more and more oat milk products hit the supermarket shelves, and I quickly became curious! For years, I've loved all kinds of nut and seed milks, and even tried rice milk, soy milk, and pea protein based milk, but never oat milk.... until now!
I picked up a gallon of Oatly's Original Oat Milk, as well as a gallon of Oatly's Chocolate Oat Milk. Guess what? I LOVE OAT MILK. It is great used in smoothies, cereal, baking, coffee, and by itself!
Oat Milk is high in natural fiber, iron, and protein, and also low in sugars, fat, and caloric content! It is so delicious, I had to learn to make it at home.
As soon as I found out how quick and easy it was to make my own, I decided I'll never buy my milk from the stores again. Not only is it pretty pricey to buy at the supermarket, but the homemade version only cost me a few cents to make and it fills an entire 32 oz mason jar!!! I have already saved so much time and money by making my own oat milk right at home!

In order to make your own oat milk, you will need to utilize a nut milk bag, or fine weave sieve, a high speed blender, or nutribullet, and a sealable jar to contain your milk in!

OAT MILK Ingredients:
1 & 1/2 cups Oats
4 cups Water
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup (optional)
Dash of Pink Himalayan Salt (optional)

CHOCOLATE VERSION:
1 & 1/2 cups Oats
4 cups Water
1-2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp Cacao Powder (or Cocoa Powder, if preferred)
Dash of Pink Himalayan Salt (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions:
Soak your oats in cold water for approximately 30 minutes. Then drain and rinse your oats. Place your oats in your blender along with 4 cups of fresh water. Blend until smooth, or about 45-60 seconds. 
Next you'll pour your oat mixture through a nut milk bag, or fine sieve, until all the liquid in drained. You can either discard your pulp, or use it for baking, dog food, etc. (Personally my pups LOVE the oat pulp!)
If you want to sweeten your oat milk, add the maple syrup and dash of salt, and place the milk back into the blender and blend again for about 30 seconds. 

CHOCOLATE VERSION:
Follow same instructions above, but add 1-2 Tablespoons of Cacao (or Cocoa) Powder when you add your maple syrup and salt into your milk. Blend for an extra 30 seconds.
Makes Approximately 1 Quart, or 32 oz. Oat Milk.
Refrigerate Immediately and shake before every use, as separation is natural. Oat milk should last in the fridge, in a sealed container or jar, for about 4-5 days.