Put the almonds and water in a blender. Cover and blend till the almonds become a very fine meal and the water becomes white and opaque.
Pour ground almonds and water through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or 1-quart measuring cup.
Before discarding the almond meal, press it against the strainer with the back of a spoon to get every last drop of almond milk. Discard almond meal or use for another purpose.
Pour the almond milk back into the blender. Add the cocoa powder, syrup, and vanilla. Blend all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the sweetness, if desired.