1. For home made nut milk, use 1/8 cup nuts and enough water with them to make 1/4 cup total, and blend until smooth. For store bought, just pour in the blender.
2. Blend with dates until relatively smooth. Blend with banana and cocoa until smooth.
3. Blend with ice until smooth.
I always do it in steps because it is easier on my blender and I get a really smooth shake! If you have a Vitamix, I am sure you don't need to worry about it.