Banana Milk Coffee Recipe

Everyone knows and loves banana milkshakes… but what in the world is banana milk coffee?

I know it sounds bananas, but do me a favor: don’t knock it till you try it!

Banana milk coffee is a culinary concoction that every coffee junkie should try at least once in their life.

Brewed coffee at the bottom, dreamy banana foam on top: this caffeinated drink has just the right balance of flavors.

It’s not as acidic as plain brewed coffee can be. But then, it’s not cloyingly sweet, heavy, or rich either.

So, if you’re up for a new way to start your day, here’s a drink you definitely don’t want to miss.

Banana Milk Coffee 

With just the right amount of sweetness, creaminess, and acidity, banana milk coffee is absolutely delightful.

Not only that, it’s a lot healthier than your regular cup of joe, too!

Bananas are loaded with potassium, while coffee is rich in antioxidants. Together, they’ll energize and nourish you for the busy day ahead.

Ready? Bottoms up!

Is Banana Coffee a Thing?

Banana coffee is a thing, and we can thank the innovative people of South Korea for it. In fact, they’ve been enjoying it since the 1970s!

We first saw it in the states around 2015. Brooklyn’s J+B Design and Cafe manager, Fumio Tashiro, made a version that took New Yorkers by storm.

Both versions share the common element of combining banana flavor with coffee, but they originated independently in different cultural contexts.

The South Korean version often emphasizes the use of pre-packaged banana milk mixed with coffee, whereas the Brooklyn creation involves blending fresh bananas with milk and coffee.

How to Make Banana Milk Coffee 

While it requires more effort to make than regular coffee, this is a great way to jazz up your morning routine.

Here’s how:

1. CHILL two serving glasses in the freezer. This extra step keeps the drink cold longer—perfect for slow coffee sippers.

2. BLEND milk and a banana (preferably frozen) with simple syrup, if needed, for sweetness. Pulse for 1 minute until smooth and foamy.

3. FILL the chilled glasses with ice and POUR cold brew into the bottom.

4. TOP with a dollop or two of banana milk, spooning it gently over the coffee. Enjoy!

I like to add a lot, but you can add as much banana foam to the top as you like – or as little!

There you go. Easy, am I right? Enjoy!

Does Banana and Coffee Taste Good Together?

Banana and coffee do taste good together.

The banana milk topping is sweet, frothy, and creamy, while the brewed coffee is nice and bold.

Together, they create an outstanding harmony of flavors. Plus, the sweetness and creaminess of the topping balance out any acidity in the coffee.

Unexpectedly, you can barely taste the flavor of the banana, if at all. The coffee’s robust flavor will still shine through at the end of the day.

All the banana does is sweeten the coffee and make it rich and creamy – like a caffeine-filled smoothie.

Don’t take my word for it, though. Try it and see for yourself.

Tips for Making The Best Drink 

Here are a few tips to ensure success, plus a few recipe variations.

• Chill the Glasses: Freeze for 20 minutes to keep the drink colder longer, though it’s optional if you’re short on time.

• Use Quality Coffee: Brewed coffee adds a bold, rich flavor to the drink.

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with dark peels are sweeter and more flavorful.

• Freeze Instead of Ice: Use frozen coffee cubes and frozen bananas to prevent watering down the drink.

• Swap Sweeteners: Replace simple syrup with Stevia, maple syrup, or honey, or skip it if the banana is sweet enough.

• Avoid Granulated Sugar: It won’t dissolve in cold liquids; use simple syrup instead for smooth sweetness.

• Balance the Banana: A cup of milk and 1 banana create the perfect topping; adjust ratios for more or less banana flavor.

• Adjust Milk to Taste: Add more milk to mellow the banana flavor if desired; experiment after trying the base recipe.

Recipe Variations:

• Use Any Milk: Dairy or plant-based options like almond, soy, or oat milk work perfectly.

• Try Chocolate Milk: Banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven—delicious and indulgent.

• Add Liquor: A shot of hazelnut, Irish cream, or amaretto adds a fun, boozy twist.

• Blend in Peanut Butter: Add a tablespoon for a tasty banana-peanut butter combo.

• Thicken with Oats: Blend in oats for a heartier topping, but blitz longer for smoothness.

• Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Swap Coffee for Tea: Try cold tea instead of coffee for a banana milk tea variation. 

More Delicious Coffee Recipes

Irish Coffee
Dalgona Coffee
McDonald’s Iced Coffee
Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolatta Recipe
McDonald’s Caramel Frappe
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Recipe