Save The first time I tasted a Milo ice latte was during a sweltering afternoon while visiting my friend's apartment in Singapore. The ceiling fan whirred lazily overhead as she casually mixed this chocolatey, malty drink in under five minutes. I watched in amazement as she transformed a childhood drink into something so refreshingly grown-up with just a few simple ingredients and some ice.
Last summer during a heatwave, I invited neighbors over for an impromptu afternoon break and made a pitcher of these Milo ice lattes. Our conversation flowed easier with these cold drinks in hand, and my neighbor's teenage son asked me for the recipe three times before leaving. Now whenever I see him, he grins and makes a drinking motion, our little inside joke about his Milo addiction.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Milo powder: The star of the show with its unique malty chocolate flavor that reminds me of childhood sporting events where they handed out free samples.
- Hot water: Just enough to dissolve the Milo completely, creating that rich base that will later mingle with the cold milk.
- Cold milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works including plant-based options like oat milk which adds a lovely subtle sweetness.
- Ice cubes: The more the better, especially on truly hot days when the ice melts quickly.
- Optional sweetener: Depending on your sweet tooth, but I find the Milo itself is often sweet enough.
Instructions
- Create your Milo concentrate:
- Whisk the Milo powder with hot water in a small bowl until you have a smooth, glossy mixture free of lumps. The aroma that rises is intoxicating, like a sophisticated hot chocolate.
- Adjust sweetness:
- Taste your Milo mixture and add sugar if desired. I sometimes add a teaspoon when making this for friends with a particularly sweet tooth.
- Prepare your glass:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes until it's about three-quarters full. The ice should make that satisfying clink sound when you add it.
- Add the Milo magic:
- Pour your Milo mixture over the ice and watch as it cascades down, creating beautiful swirls around the ice cubes. This moment always feels slightly theatrical to me.
- Pour in the milk:
- Add the cold milk and gently stir to combine. I love watching the milk cloud into the darker Milo mixture, creating a marble effect before it fully blends.
- Serve immediately:
- Add a straw, give one final stir, and enjoy right away while the drink is perfectly cold. The contrast between the slightly warm Milo mixture and the icy milk creates this wonderful temperature play.
Save One particularly memorable evening, I made these for a small gathering when the power went out during a summer storm. We sat on my balcony watching lightning flash across the sky, sipping our Milo ice lattes by candlelight. Something about the combination of the storm's natural drama and the comforting familiar taste of Milo created a moment of pure contentment that we still talk about.
Variations to Try
After making this drink almost weekly for the past year, I've discovered a few delicious twists that keep it interesting. My favorite variation includes a splash of condensed milk swirled in at the end, which creates beautiful caramel-colored ribbons and adds a decadent sweetness. I've also tried freezing coffee into ice cubes and using those instead of regular ice, which creates an evolving flavor as they melt into the drink.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this Milo ice latte lies in its adaptability to your personal preferences. Some days when I need an extra boost, I'll add a shot of espresso to transform it into a mocha-like creation. My sister prefers hers with a dash of cinnamon sprinkled on top, which adds a warming spice note that contrasts beautifully with the cold drink.
Serving Suggestions
While perfectly enjoyable on its own, this Milo ice latte pairs surprisingly well with certain foods. I've found it makes a delightful companion to buttery cookies or a slice of banana bread, with the malty chocolate notes complementing the baked goods perfectly.
- For an indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of additional Milo powder.
- Serve in a clear glass with a colorful straw for a visually appealing presentation that highlights the layers.
- Keep all ingredients ready in the refrigerator for quick assembly when unexpected guests arrive or afternoon energy slumps hit.
Save This simple Milo ice latte has become my little ritual of self-care on hectic days. There's something incredibly soothing about those five minutes of preparation, knowing that a familiar, comforting taste awaits.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk for this Milo ice latte?
Yes, plant-based milks work perfectly. Oat, almond, and soy milk are excellent alternatives that complement the chocolatey Milo flavor while keeping the drink dairy-free.
- → Do I need to add sugar to this drink?
Sugar is optional. Milo powder already contains some sweetness, so taste the mixture first and add 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener only if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- → Why do I need to dissolve Milo in hot water first?
Hot water dissolves the Milo powder completely, creating a smooth mixture without clumps. This ensures the chocolate flavor distributes evenly throughout your iced latte.
- → How can I make this latte creamier?
Use whole milk instead of low-fat options, or add a splash of condensed milk for extra richness. You can also top with whipped cream for an indulgent, creamy finish.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It's best served immediately for optimal taste and texture. However, you can prepare the Milo mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then add ice and milk when ready to serve.
- → What allergens should I be aware of?
This drink contains dairy milk and Milo powder, which may contain gluten and soy. Check your Milo label for specific allergen information and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.