Soak almonds in water overnight, or a minimum of four hours.
Add to a blender or food processor 5 cups of clean filtered water, along with the dates and vanilla. Rinse off almonds with cold water and add to the blender.
Blend on high for five minutes, when the blender is shut off there should be small pieces of almond at the bottom and the liquid should appear white.
Drape a clean kitchen towel over a bowl, and pour the mixture into it. Squeeze all of the excess liquid through the towel and into the bowl to separate the almond pieces.