Save to Pinterest My housemate showed me this trick during finals week when we were both dragging ourselves through late-night study sessions. She pulled out a jar of Milo from the back of the pantry, something I hadn't seen since childhood, and made this drink in under five minutes. The way the chocolate malt swirled into the milk over ice felt like a small act of rebellion against our exhaustion. I've been hooked ever since.
I started making this for my younger brother when he'd come over to work on his college applications. He'd always request it the moment he walked through the door, and we'd sit at the kitchen counter with our matching iced drinks, tackling essays and spreadsheets. It became our unofficial ritual, a small comfort during a stressful season. Now he texts me photos whenever he makes it in his dorm, usually at midnight.
Ingredients
- Milo powder: This is the heart of the drink, bringing that signature malty chocolate flavor that's richer than regular cocoa but not too sweet on its own.
- Hot water: Just enough to dissolve the powder completely so you don't get clumps at the bottom of your glass, which I learned the hard way.
- Cold milk: Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but oat milk gives it a lovely subtle sweetness if you're going dairy free.
- Ice cubes: Use enough to fill the glass generously, the contrast between cold ice and the warm Milo mixture creates the best texture.
- Sugar or sweetener: Optional, but I like adding just a teaspoon when I'm craving something a little more dessert like.
Instructions
- Dissolve the Milo:
- Whisk the Milo powder into the hot water in a small bowl until it's completely smooth and no grains are left. This step is crucial because any undissolved powder will sink and create a gritty layer at the bottom.
- Sweeten if desired:
- Taste the mixture and whisk in sugar or sweetener if you want it sweeter. I usually skip this step, but on tough days I add a little extra.
- Prep your glass:
- Fill a tall glass to the brim with ice cubes. The more ice, the longer your drink stays cold and refreshing.
- Layer the Milo:
- Pour the dissolved Milo mixture over the ice slowly, watching it cascade through the cubes. It's oddly satisfying.
- Add the milk:
- Pour in the cold milk and give it a gentle stir to combine everything without losing the beautiful marbled look. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the first cold, chocolatey sip.
Save to Pinterest One Saturday morning I made this for a friend who was recovering from a breakup and didn't want coffee but needed something comforting. She sat on my couch, sipping it slowly, and said it tasted like being a kid again without any of the bad stuff. We didn't talk much, just sat there with our drinks, and somehow that was enough. It's funny how a simple glass of chocolate milk can hold so much quiet kindness.
Customizing Your Latte
Once you've nailed the basic version, it's easy to make it your own. I sometimes add a splash of condensed milk for extra richness, especially when I want it to feel more like a treat than a quick drink. A friend of mine tops hers with whipped cream and an extra dusting of Milo powder, turning it into something that looks straight out of a cafe menu. You can also experiment with different milk types, almond milk keeps it light, while oat milk adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the malt.
Storing and Making Ahead
This isn't really a make ahead drink since it's so fast to throw together, but you can pre mix a batch of the Milo concentrate and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just dissolve a larger amount of Milo powder in hot water, let it cool, and store it in a jar. When you're ready, pour it over ice, add milk, and you're done in seconds. I did this during a particularly busy week and it saved me every single morning.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If your drink tastes too weak, you probably added too much milk or not enough Milo, so adjust the ratios next time to suit your taste. If it's too sweet, cut back on any added sugar and let the natural malt flavor shine through. Sometimes the ice melts faster than you'd like, especially on really hot days, so I keep my glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink.
- Use a whisk instead of a spoon to dissolve the Milo, it breaks up clumps much faster.
- If you like it frothy, shake the Milo mixture and milk together in a sealed jar before pouring over ice.
- Keep your Milo powder in an airtight container so it doesn't clump in humid weather.
Save to Pinterest This little drink has become my go to whenever I need a quick reset, whether it's a hot afternoon or a late night craving. I hope it brings you the same easy joy it's brought me, one cold, chocolatey sip at a time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy?
Yes, absolutely. Oat, almond, and soy milk work wonderfully. Choose based on your preference for creaminess and flavor.
- → How do I make it less sweet?
Skip the added sugar and let the natural sweetness of Milo shine through. Adjust sweetness to your taste preference during preparation.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the Milo mixture in advance and refrigerate. Assemble with ice and cold milk when ready to drink for the best texture and flavor.
- → What's the difference between using hot and cold water for Milo?
Hot water dissolves Milo powder smoothly and completely, creating a proper base. Cold water won't dissolve it fully, resulting in a gritty texture.
- → How can I make it more indulgent?
Add a splash of condensed milk for richness, top with whipped cream, sprinkle extra Milo powder on top, or use whole milk instead of lower-fat alternatives.