this is why the banana milk latte went viral. recipe by @withbrandonn
this is why the banana milk latte went viral. recipe by @withbrandonn is a easy Coffeehouse recipe that serves 1. 152 calories per serving. Recipe by collin lac on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 12 min
Cost: $1.85 total, $1.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Banana Milk (chilled; can be store‑bought banana‑flavored milk or homemade blend of banana, milk, and a touch of sweetener)
- 1 shot Espresso Shot (about 1 oz, brewed using an espresso machine or strong stovetop Moka pot)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (cubed ice, preferably crushed slightly for faster chilling)
Instructions
Pull the Espresso Shot
Grind fresh coffee beans to espresso fineness and pull a single shot (about 1 oz) using your espresso machine or Moka pot.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 190°F
Prepare the Glass with Ice
Fill a tall glass about three‑quarters full with cubed ice.
Time: PT30S
Add Banana Milk
Pour the chilled banana milk over the ice, filling the glass to about an inch below the rim.
Time: PT30S
Layer the Espresso
Slowly pour the hot espresso shot directly onto the banana milk so it creates a layered effect.
Time: PT30S
Stir and Serve
Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the flavors, then enjoy immediately.
Time: PT15S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 152
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant‑based milk
Allergens: Milk, Banana
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Banana Milk: Almond milk with banana puree, Soy milk with banana puree, Homemade banana milk (blend 1 banana, 8 oz regular milk, 1 tsp honey)
- Instead of Espresso Shot: Strong brewed coffee (about 1 oz), Cold brew concentrate (diluted to espresso strength)
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Crushed ice, Frozen banana slices for extra flavor
Equipment Needed
- Espresso Machine
- Tall Glass
- Stirring Spoon or Straw
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pulling a proper espresso shot ensures the latte has the right coffee intensity.
- Layering the espresso over the banana milk creates the signature look and prevents immediate dilution.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra visual appeal, drizzle a thin line of chocolate syrup on the glass rim before pouring.
- Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layering of milk and espresso.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon on top for a warm spice note.
Troubleshooting
Espresso is too weak or watery.
Use a finer grind, increase the coffee dose, and ensure proper tamping pressure. A Moka pot should be brewed until the coffee is dark and concentrated.
Banana milk separates or looks grainy.
Shake or blend the banana milk well before pouring. If using homemade banana milk, strain it through a fine mesh sieve.
Drink becomes too watery quickly.
Use more ice or add the espresso just before serving to keep the ice from melting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover banana milk in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze the prepared latte; ice will become watery.
Room temperature: Espresso should be used immediately; it does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑chill the banana milk in the refrigerator before making the latte.
- Prepare ice cubes in advance and keep them ready in the freezer.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong coffee concentrate ahead of time and keep it hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of banana milk drinks in Asian cuisine?
Banana milk, known as "banana susu" in parts of Southeast Asia, has been a popular children's beverage for decades, often made by blending ripe bananas with milk and a touch of sugar. It reflects the region’s love for fruit‑based, sweet drinks and has recently been adapted into coffee shop menus as a playful twist on the classic latte.
How is a banana milk latte traditionally served in coffeehouse culture?
In modern coffeehouse culture, a banana milk latte is typically served cold over ice in a clear tall glass, allowing the layered espresso and banana‑flavored milk to be seen. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon pick‑me‑up and may be topped with a light dusting of cocoa or cinnamon.
What occasions or celebrations is a banana milk latte associated with in contemporary café trends?
The banana milk latte has become popular for casual meet‑ups, brunches, and as a novelty drink for social media sharing. It’s especially favored during warm weather or as a fun alternative to traditional flavored lattes during seasonal promotions.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a banana milk latte versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include real banana puree or banana‑flavored milk, fresh espresso, and ice. Acceptable substitutes are plant‑based milks blended with banana, strong brewed coffee in place of espresso, and crushed ice if cubes are unavailable.
What other coffeehouse drinks pair well with a banana milk latte?
A banana milk latte pairs nicely with light pastries such as almond croissants, fruit‑topped muffins, or a simple shortbread cookie. Its sweet banana flavor balances well with mildly bitter espresso‑based drinks like a classic Americano.
How does the banana milk latte fit into the broader coffeehouse beverage tradition?
The banana milk latte exemplifies the coffeehouse trend of infusing classic espresso drinks with fruit flavors, expanding the latte family beyond vanilla or caramel. It reflects the creative fusion of dairy‑based fruit drinks with coffee culture, appealing to both coffee lovers and those seeking a sweeter, fruit‑forward option.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a banana milk latte at home?
Common mistakes include pulling a weak espresso, which makes the latte taste watery, and using warm banana milk, which reduces the refreshing quality. Also, pouring the espresso too quickly can cause the layers to mix prematurely, losing the visual appeal.
Why does this banana milk latte recipe pour the espresso shot on top of the banana milk instead of mixing it first?
Pouring the espresso on top creates a distinct layered look and allows the hot espresso to gently melt the ice, giving a gradual blending of flavors. This technique also preserves the espresso’s crema and aroma until the drink is stirred.
Can I make the banana milk latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prepare the banana milk and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Brew the espresso fresh just before serving; if you must pre‑brew, store it in a thermos and add it to the milk and ice right before drinking.
What does the YouTube channel collin lac specialize in?
The YouTube channel collin lac focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring coffee‑related drinks, simple desserts, and everyday kitchen hacks presented in a clear, step‑by‑step format.
How does the YouTube channel collin lac's approach to coffee beverage tutorials differ from other coffee channels?
Collin lac emphasizes minimal equipment and readily available ingredients, aiming to recreate café‑style drinks with everyday pantry items. Unlike many coffee channels that dive deep into technical espresso theory, collin lac keeps the process straightforward for casual home cooks.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
