Save It I was stuck in back-to-back meetings one sweltering afternoon when I spotted the Milo tin my housemate left on the counter. Instead of brewing coffee, I dumped a few spoonfuls into hot water, poured it over ice with milk, and suddenly had the most satisfying drink I'd made all week. It tasted like childhood mornings but with the kick I actually needed. Now I keep Milo stocked just for this five-minute reset.
The first time I made this for a friend, she looked skeptical watching me whisk powder into hot water like some budget barista. One sip later she was fishing out her phone to photograph the glass, ice clinking, milk swirling into dark ribbons. We ended up making three more rounds that afternoon, each time arguing over whether oat milk or whole milk made it better.
Ingredients
- Milo powder: The soul of this drink, it dissolves best when you whisk it with hot water first instead of trying to stir cold clumps into milk.
- Hot water: Just enough to melt the Milo into a smooth, concentrated base that won't separate when it hits the ice.
- Cold milk: Whole milk gives you that creamy latte body, but oat milk adds a subtle sweetness that plays nicely with the malt.
- Ice cubes: Use enough to actually chill the drink, not just a few sad cubes that melt in seconds.
- Sugar or sweetener: Optional, but a teaspoon can round out the bitterness if your Milo batch tastes less sweet than usual.
Instructions
- Dissolve the Milo:
- Whisk the Milo powder with the hot water in a small bowl until it's completely smooth and no gritty bits cling to the spoon. This step makes or breaks the texture, so don't rush it.
- Sweeten if desired:
- Taste the Milo mixture and whisk in sugar or sweetener if you want it sweeter. It's easier to adjust now than after the ice dilutes everything.
- Build the latte:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the Milo mixture over top, then add the cold milk. Stir gently with a spoon or straw and watch the layers swirl together into something that looks almost too good to drink.
Save It One morning I made this for my younger sister before her exam, and she texted me later saying it was the only thing that didn't make her stomach nervous. Now every time she visits, she asks if I still have Milo in the cupboard, and I always do.
How to Make It Extra Creamy
If you want that cafe-style richness, swap half the milk for a splash of condensed milk or use full-fat coconut milk instead of almond. The texture shifts from refreshing to almost dessert-like, which is perfect when you're pretending it's a treat and not just a weekday afternoon drink.
Best Milk Choices
Whole milk gives you the classic latte feel, but oat milk froths beautifully if you shake it in a jar first, and almond milk keeps things light without losing the chocolate punch. Soy milk works too, though it can split if your Milo mixture is still too hot, so let it cool a few seconds before pouring.
Serving and Storage Tips
This drink is best enjoyed immediately while the ice is still solid and the milk is cold. If you need to prep ahead, make the Milo concentrate and store it in the fridge for up to two days, then just pour it over fresh ice and milk when you're ready.
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of Milo powder if you're feeling fancy.
- Use a reusable metal straw because the drink is thick enough that paper straws get soggy fast.
- Double the recipe and keep extra concentrate in a jar for back-to-back servings without reheating water.
Save It Some days you just need something cold, sweet, and ridiculously easy, and this is exactly that. Keep a tin of Milo around and you'll never be more than five minutes away from your new favorite afternoon reset.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I make the Milo mixture smooth?
Whisk the Milo powder with hot water thoroughly until no lumps remain to achieve a smooth chocolate base.
- → Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, oat, almond, or soy milk work well as dairy alternatives without compromising the creamy texture.
- → What is the best way to sweeten this drink?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or preferred sweetener to the Milo mixture before combining with milk for balanced sweetness.
- → How can I make it creamier?
Use whole milk or add a splash of condensed milk; topping with whipped cream also enhances richness.
- → Is it necessary to use ice cubes?
Ice cubes chill the drink, providing a refreshing texture ideal for warm weather, but can be adjusted to preference.