This creamy, lightly sweet Korean banana milk tastes like sunshine in a glass. I first tried it at a Korean café years ago and fell in love with how simple and refreshing it was, nothing like the overly sugary drinks I was used to. Now I make it at home whenever I need a quick pick-me-up or a cool afternoon treat. It takes just five minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have.
Pair it with Watermelon Slushie Recipe for a cozy weekend drinks , or sip it alongside Peach Lemonade for a complete Korean-inspired brunch. If you're feeling fancy, serve it with Strawberry Sweet Tea for a sweet morning spread.
Why You'll Love This Korean Banana Milk
This Korean banana milk recipe is one of the easiest and most satisfying drinks you'll ever make. Here's why it's so good:
- 5 minutes start to finish: Blend, pour, and enjoy. That's it.
- Only 5 ingredients: Banana, milk, water, honey, and vanilla. Nothing complicated or hard to find.
- Naturally sweet: The ripe banana and touch of honey give it just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying.
- Light and refreshing: It's creamier than regular milk but lighter than a milkshake, making it perfect for warm days.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, swap the milk, or add fun toppings like a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It's the kind of drink that feels like a treat but is actually pretty wholesome. Kids love it, adults love it, and it's way better than anything you'll find in a store.
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Korean Banana Milk Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this easy banana milkshake at home.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Ripe banana: The riper, the better. A banana with brown spots is naturally sweeter and blends into a smoother, creamier drink.
- Milk, chilled: Adds creaminess and body. Using cold milk keeps the drink refreshing and ready to enjoy right away.
- Water, chilled: Lightens the texture so it's not too thick or heavy. This is what makes it feel like a drink rather than a smoothie.
- Honey or maple syrup: Provides a touch of natural sweetness that complements the banana without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a hint of depth that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
HOW TO MAKE Korean Banana Milk
Making this chilled banana beverage is as easy as it gets.
- Blend everything together: Place the ripe banana, cold milk, cold water, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into a blender. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Let it rest: Pour the banana milk into a glass or a cute milk bottle. Let it sit for about 2 minutes so any bubbles settle and the flavors meld together.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your banana milk while it's cold and fresh. The flavor is best right after blending, and the texture is perfectly creamy and light.
Substitutions & Variations
Strawberry banana: Add a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries for a fruity twist.
Dairy-free: Swap the 2% milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a plant-based version.
Sweeter version: Add an extra teaspoon of honey or a pitted date for more natural sweetness.
Chocolate twist: Blend in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for chocolate banana milk.
Thicker texture: Use less water or add a few ice cubes for a frostier, milkshake-like drink.
A Little Family Story
Last summer, my playful 7-year-old niece Olivia spent the weekend at my place. She spotted a Korean Banana Milk on the counter and announced, "I want banana milk like the one in my show!" I had no idea what she was talking about until she pulled up a K-drama clip on my phone showing someone drinking from a tiny yellow bottle.
"Okay, we can make that," I told her, grabbing the blender.
She watched, wide-eyed, as I tossed in the Korean Banana Milk, milk, honey, and vanilla. When I hit the blend button, she squealed. "It's turning into milk!" The blender whirred for a minute, and I poured the pale yellow drink into two glasses.
She took a careful sip, then her eyes went huge. "This is exactly like the show! But better!" She chugged half the glass in one go, leaving herself with a tiny milk mustache. Then she looked at me seriously and said, "Can we make this every day forever?"
I laughed. "We can definitely make it again tomorrow."
She grinned and finished the rest in two gulps. That little bottle of banana milk from the show didn't stand a chance against the homemade version.
EQUIPMENT
Blender: Any standard blender works perfectly. High-speed blenders make it extra smooth.
Glass or milk bottle: Serve it in a cute bottle for that authentic Korean vibe, or just use a regular glass.
Measuring spoons: Helps you get the sweetness and vanilla just right.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing: Pour any leftover banana milk into an airtight container or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Shake or stir well before drinking, as it may separate slightly.
Freezing: Banana milk doesn't freeze well because the texture changes when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh.
Make-ahead tip: You can peel and freeze ripe bananas ahead of time. When you're ready to make banana milk, just blend the frozen banana with the other ingredients for an even colder, thicker drink.
Serving Suggestions
This Korean banana milk is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
Korean brunch: Pair it with savory dishes like kimbap, tteokbokki, or Korean fried chicken for a sweet contrast.
Breakfast pairing: Serve it alongside toast, cereal, or a breakfast sandwich for a refreshing morning drink.
Afternoon snack: Enjoy it with cookies, crackers, or fresh fruit for a light pick-me-up.
Post-workout treat: The natural sugars and potassium from the banana make it a great recovery drink.
Expert Tips
Use a ripe banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier your milk will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
Chill your ingredients: Cold milk and cold water are key to making this drink refreshing. If you forget to chill them, add a few ice cubes.
Blend thoroughly: A full minute of blending ensures a silky-smooth texture with no chunks.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add more if you like it sweeter.
Serve immediately: Banana milk tastes best fresh. The flavor and texture are at their peak right after blending.
FAQ
Why do Koreans drink banana milk?
Banana milkKorean Banana Milkgovernment wanted to encourage milk consumption for better nutrition. Binggrae created a banana-flavored milk that was sweet, fun, and appealing to kids. It became a cultural icon and is now enjoyed by people of all ages as a nostalgic, comforting treat. Olivia absolutely loved the idea that it started as a way to make milk more fun for kids, just like her.
What is in Korean banana milk?
Traditional Korean banana milk from brands like Binggrae contains milk, banana flavoring, sugar, and sometimes a bit of cream. Homemade versions like this one use real bananas, milk, water, a natural sweetener like honey, and vanilla extract for a fresher, healthier alternative with no artificial ingredients.
Is Korean banana milk good for you?
Homemade Korean banana milk is a wholesome drink made with real fruit, milk, and natural sweeteners. Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins, while milk adds protein and calcium. It's much healthier than store-bought versions, which often contain added sugar and artificial flavors. Just keep portions moderate since it does have natural sugars.
How to make Jungkook's favourite banana milk?
Jungkook from BTS is known for loving Binggrae Banana Milk! To make a version inspired by his favorite, use this recipe and make sure your banana is extra ripe for maximum sweetness. Some fans like to add a tiny pinch of salt or a drop of almond extract for a flavor boost. Serve it ice-cold in a cute bottle, and you've got a K-pop-approved treat.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Korean Banana Milk
Korean Banana Milk
Ingredients
Method
- Place the banana, milk, water, honey, and vanilla extract into a blender.
- Pour the banana milk into a glass or milk bottle.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
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