Korean Banana Milk: Creamy Sweet Drink Recipe
Introduction
Light, refreshing, and delicately sweet, Korean Banana Milk is a beloved South Korean beverage with a creamy texture and natural banana flavor. Easy to make at home, this comforting drink is perfect for fans of K-culture or anyone seeking a unique alternative to sugary sodas.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Select a ripe banana with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine the banana, cold milk, sweetened condensed milk, and optionally vanilla extract and salt. Blend on high for 20–30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Serve immediately over ice or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with a banana slice or mint leaf if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Substitute sweetened condensed milk with honey, maple syrup, or a low-sugar sweetener to suit your preference.
- For dairy-free or vegan versions, use plant-based milk like almond, oat, soy, or coconut, and replace condensed milk with maple syrup or agave.
- Try variations such as adding black tea to make banana milk tea, cocoa powder for chocolate banana milk, or matcha powder for an earthy twist.
- Frozen bananas make the drink creamier and colder—perfect for hot days.
Storage
Store homemade banana milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking as the ingredients may separate. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and blend later for a slushy treat. Best enjoyed fresh to preserve flavor and color.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Is Korean banana milk healthy?
Yes, especially when made at home with fresh bananas and controlled sweeteners. It provides potassium and can be lower in added sugar compared to commercial drinks.
Can I make it without a blender?
Yes, you can mash the banana thoroughly and whisk it into milk, but the texture will be less smooth than the blended version.
Print
Korean Banana Milk: Creamy Sweet Drink Recipe
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Korean Banana Milk is a luscious, creamy, and subtly sweet drink that captures the nostalgic flavors of South Korea. Made with ripe bananas, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, this easy-to-make beverage delivers a natural banana flavor with a silky texture. Perfect for any time of day, this refreshing homemade version uses simple ingredients and can be customized for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Banana Milk Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Instructions
- Choose Your Banana: Select a ripe banana with brown spots to ensure maximum natural sweetness and flavor. The riper the banana, the better the taste of your drink.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, add 1 ripe banana, 1 cup of cold milk, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Optionally, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Chill and Serve: You can serve the banana milk immediately over ice for a refreshing drink or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to serve cold. Garnish with a banana slice or a mint leaf if desired for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness.
- Avoid underripe bananas as they produce a bland taste and do not blend well.
- Overripe bananas work great, providing a soft and creamy texture.
- You can customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of sweetened condensed milk or substituting with honey, maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit.
- For a dairy-free or vegan option, use plant-based milk and replace sweetened condensed milk with maple syrup or agave.
- Consume fresh for the best taste, or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Shake well before drinking if stored and separated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute (blending)
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Korean banana milk, banana milk recipe, creamy banana drink, sweet banana milk, homemade banana milk, Korean drink, banana milk tea, dairy-free banana milk, vegan banana milk
