Save Last summer during a heatwave, I discovered this five-minute Milo ice latte that changed my afternoon routine forever. Standing in my kitchen, sweat beading on my forehead, I stared into the pantry wondering how to cool down when my eyes landed on that iconic green tin. The nostalgic chocolatey malt smell hit me instantly as I opened it, and suddenly I was combining it with ice and milk instead of my usual hot water approach. That first sip – cold, refreshing, yet comfortingly familiar – was pure magic.
My friend Mei came over during that same heatwave, looking absolutely wilted from the walk to my place. Without saying a word, I handed her one of these Milo ice lattes, complete with condensed milk at the bottom. Her eyes widened after the first sip, and she immediately demanded the recipe. Now whenever we meet up during warm weather, one of us always brings these along in travel mugs – our little tradition born from a moment of kitchen improvisation.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Milo powder: The star of the show with its unique malty chocolate flavor that, honestly, tastes better when you pile in a bit extra than the tin suggests.
- 60 ml hot water: Just enough to dissolve the Milo completely without making the final drink too warm.
- 120 ml cold milk: I bounce between whole dairy milk for richness and oat milk which adds this lovely cereal-like quality to the maltiness.
- Ice cubes: The more the better, especially when using freshly boiled water for the Milo mixture.
- Optional sweetener: I rarely add this since Milo has its own sweetness, but a drizzle of condensed milk changes everything.
Instructions
- Create your Milo base:
- In a small bowl, whisk those 3 tablespoons of Milo powder with the hot water until it transforms into a smooth, glossy mixture. You want it completely dissolved with no grainy bits hiding at the bottom.
- Sweeten if needed:
- Take a tiny taste and add sugar or sweetener if you want it sweeter. I sometimes add a teaspoon of honey which brings out the malt notes beautifully.
- Prepare your glass:
- Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes, all the way to the top. The ice will melt slightly from the Milo mixture, creating the perfect temperature.
- Add the Milo:
- Pour your Milo mixture over the ice and watch as it cascades through the cubes. This is oddly satisfying every single time.
- Finish with milk:
- Add the cold milk slowly and watch the beautiful swirling patterns form before giving it a gentle stir. Leave it slightly marbled for that Instagram-worthy look.
- Serve immediately:
- Pop in a straw and enjoy while the drink is perfectly chilled. The flavor is actually at its peak right when the ice has just slightly started to melt into the mixture.
Save One particularly busy afternoon while working from home, I made this Milo ice latte and took it out to my tiny balcony for a five-minute break. Something about the combination of that familiar childhood flavor in an adult drink form, the momentary pause in my day, and the simple pleasure of a cold drink on a hot day made me feel instantly grounded. Now whenever I feel overwhelmed, this drink has become my little ritual – a five-minute reset button that reminds me of simpler joys.
Milk Matters
After countless experiments, Ive found each type of milk creates a distinctly different Milo experience. Whole milk makes it indulgently creamy, while skim keeps it lighter but still satisfying. Oat milk adds a cereal-like quality that amplifies the maltiness, while almond brings a nutty dimension that works surprisingly well. My personal favorite though? A base of regular milk with just a tablespoon of coconut milk stirred in – the subtle tropical note transforms this drink entirely.
The Condensed Milk Upgrade
The day I discovered adding a tablespoon of condensed milk to this recipe was the day my Milo game changed forever. I was making Vietnamese coffee one morning and had leftover condensed milk in the can when I decided to experiment with my afternoon Milo. The thick sweetness creates this incredible caramel-like layer that slowly incorporates as you drink. Its slightly less virtuous than the original recipe, but that rich sweetness against the chocolate malt flavor is absolutely worth the indulgence once in a while.
Quick Variations to Try
The beauty of this simple recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever mood strikes. Sometimes I add a shot of espresso for an energizing mocha effect, or blend everything with a frozen banana for a frappuccino-style treat. During holiday seasons, a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds warmth without compromising the refreshing quality.
- For an indulgent weekend version, top with whipped cream and an extra dusting of Milo powder.
- If youre watching sugar intake, the newer Milo Less Sugar works surprisingly well in this recipe without sacrificing that classic flavor.
- On particularly scorching days, freeze some milk into ice cubes instead of using regular ice for a less diluted experience as they melt.
Save This humble five-minute recipe has become one of my most treasured little joys. Its amazing how something so simple can bridge the gap between nostalgic comfort and grown-up refreshment.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk?
Yes, absolutely. Oat, almond, and soy milk work wonderfully. Plant-based alternatives provide the same creamy texture while keeping the drink dairy-free.
- → How can I make this drink creamier?
Use whole milk instead of lower-fat options, or add a splash of condensed milk for extra richness and indulgence. You can also top with whipped cream for added creaminess.
- → Does Milo contain allergens?
Milo may contain gluten and soy, so always check the label for specific allergen information. The drink naturally contains milk unless you substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- → Can I prepare the Milo mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Milo mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour it over ice and add cold milk for a quick assembly.
- → What makes this an iced latte hack?
This method uses a quick whisking technique to dissolve Milo powder smoothly without lumps, creating a café-quality iced latte at home in just 5 minutes with minimal effort.