How to make flavoured milk at home?

How do you make flavoured milk at home?

Start with cold milk (dairy or plant) and add a flavour that dissolves easily. Cocoa powder alone does not mix well into cold milk, which is why a syrup is the usual approach.

Simple chocolate syrup

One tested home recipe uses 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup whole milk (water also works) and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

1. Combine cocoa, sugar, salt and milk in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat.
3. Reduce to low and simmer 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
5. Cool, then store in a jar in the fridge.

The syrup is thin when hot and thickens as it cools. The author says it keeps 1 to 2 weeks refrigerated; after that, make a fresh batch. To use it, stir some into a tall glass of milk and adjust to taste (the recipe gives no amount).

Other flavours

• Vanilla: a few drops of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sugar or honey per glass.
• Strawberry: blend fresh or frozen strawberries with a little sugar, strain if you like, and stir into milk.
• Banana: blend a ripe banana with milk.
• Cinnamon or cardamom: warm milk with the spice and sweeten lightly.

Tips

• Start with less sugar than a recipe says; you can add more.
• Use a clean jar and a clean spoon to extend syrup life.
• Shake or stir before drinking; cocoa settles.
• Heat flavoured milk gently to avoid scorching.
• Keep homemade flavoured milk cold and use it within a few days.

General recipe guidance; amounts are adjustable to taste.