Trying the Korean Convenience store Banana milk Coffee
Trying the Korean Convenience store Banana milk Coffee! is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 122 calories per serving. Recipe by YouronlyJen on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $1.80 total, $1.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 ml Banana Milk (Korean banana‑flavored milk, chilled)
- 150 ml Black Coffee (Strong brewed coffee, unsweetened, cooled to room temperature)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (Fresh ice cubes from ice‑cube tray)
Instructions
Brew Black Coffee
Use a coffee maker to brew 150 ml of strong black coffee without any sugar.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 95°C
Cool the Coffee
Transfer the hot coffee to a heat‑proof container and let it sit for about 2 minutes, or place it in the refrigerator to reach room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Fill Cup with Ice
Fill a large cup (approximately 500 ml capacity) with 1 cup of ice cubes.
Time: PT1M
Add Banana Milk
Pour the chilled 200 ml banana milk over the ice in the cup.
Time: PT1M
Combine Coffee and Milk
Slowly pour the cooled black coffee over the banana milk and stir gently until evenly mixed.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Enjoy the drink immediately. Optionally garnish with a thin banana slice on the rim.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 122
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains caffeine
Allergens: Milk, Caffeine
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Banana Milk: Regular milk with banana puree, Banana smoothie
- Instead of Black Coffee: Cold brew concentrate diluted with water, Instant coffee dissolved in hot water
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Crushed ice
Equipment Needed
- Coffee Maker
- Large Cup
- Ice Cube Tray
- Stirring Spoon
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brew Black Coffee
- Combine Coffee and Milk
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a smoother texture, use cold‑brew coffee instead of hot‑brew; it reduces acidity and bitterness
- If you can find Korean brand ‘Binggrae Banana Milk’, it gives the authentic flavor profile
- Garnish with a thin banana slice or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for visual appeal
Troubleshooting
The coffee tastes too bitter.
Reduce the coffee strength or add a little more banana milk to balance the bitterness.
The drink is too sweet.
Increase the coffee proportion or use a lower‑sweetness banana milk variant.
The ice melts too quickly, diluting the drink.
Use larger ice cubes or chill the coffee and banana milk thoroughly before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover banana milk in the fridge for up to 24 hours; coffee can be kept chilled for 24 hours.
Freezer: Do not freeze the mixed drink; ice will become watery.
Room temperature: If not consumed within 30 minutes, the drink may become diluted as ice melts.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the coffee a few hours ahead and keep it chilled
- Pre‑chill the banana milk in the refrigerator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Banana Coffee in Korean convenience store culture?
Banana Coffee became a viral trend in South Korea after a convenience‑store chain started selling ready‑to‑drink banana‑flavored milk paired with iced black coffee. It reflects Korea’s love for convenient, sweet‑savory hybrid drinks and quickly spread on social media as a must‑try for tourists.
How is the traditional Korean banana milk different from regular banana smoothies?
Traditional Korean banana milk is a shelf‑stable, lightly sweetened dairy beverage flavored with natural banana essence, whereas banana smoothies are typically made fresh with real bananas, yogurt, or ice and have a thicker texture.
What regional variations of banana‑coffee drinks exist within Korean street food culture?
In some regions, vendors add a splash of condensed milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the banana‑coffee mix. In Seoul’s trendy cafés, you may find a cold‑brew version with oat‑based banana milk for a dairy‑free twist.
During which Korean celebrations or seasons is banana coffee especially popular?
Banana coffee is especially popular during the hot summer months and at youth‑focused festivals, where the refreshing sweetness provides a quick energy boost. It’s also a favorite among university students during exam periods for its caffeine‑sweet combo.
How does banana coffee fit into the broader Korean beverage tradition?
Korean beverage culture often blends fruit flavors with dairy and caffeine, as seen in drinks like melon‑milk tea or peach‑yogurt smoothies. Banana coffee follows this pattern, offering a playful mix of fruit‑sweetness, dairy creaminess, and coffee’s bitterness.
What are the authentic ingredients for Korean banana coffee versus common substitutes used abroad?
Authentic Korean banana coffee uses a commercially produced banana‑flavored milk (e.g., Binggrae) and strong brewed black coffee with no added sugar. Substitutes include homemade banana milk made from regular milk and banana puree, or using instant coffee instead of freshly brewed coffee.
What other Korean drinks pair well with banana coffee for a balanced snack?
Banana coffee pairs nicely with light Korean pastries such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) or a small portion of kimchi fried rice, balancing the sweet‑bitter drink with savory flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making banana coffee at home?
Common mistakes include using hot coffee that melts the ice too fast, adding too much sugar‑laden banana milk which over‑sweetens the drink, and not chilling the coffee or milk beforehand, resulting in a lukewarm beverage.
Can I make banana coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can brew the coffee and chill it, then store the banana milk in the refrigerator. Keep the ice separate and add it just before serving to prevent the drink from becoming watery.
What does the YouTube channel YouronlyJen specialize in?
The YouTube channel YouronlyJen focuses on easy, trend‑driven food experiments, Korean snack reviews, and quick home‑cooking tutorials that appeal to a youthful, curious audience.
How does the YouTube channel YouronlyJen's approach to Korean convenience‑store recipes differ from other cooking channels?
YouronlyJen emphasizes fast, low‑budget recreations of viral Korean convenience‑store items, often using ingredients readily available in Western supermarkets, whereas many other channels may focus on traditional Korean cooking techniques or elaborate restaurant‑style dishes.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
