Korean Banana Milk Latte

Name: Korean Banana Milk Latte
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: Korean Banana-flavored Milk 1 bottle (240ml); Espresso 2 shots (approx. 60ml); Ice cubes 1 cup (approx. 150g)

A trendy Korean home cafe beverage! A perfect harmony of sweet, creamy banana milk and bold espresso.

Hello! For all home cafe enthusiasts, today we bring you the famous Korean 'Tungba Latte' (Banana Milk Latte), a viral beverage that has taken social media by storm. Korea's iconic Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk—affectionately known as 'Tungba' due to its chubby jar-shaped bottle—has been a beloved staple since 1974. While delicious on its own, pairing this rich, sweet banana milk with a bold shot of espresso creates a velvety drink that easily rivals commercial vanilla or dulce de leche lattes. What makes the Tungba Latte so special is its effortless harmony of flavors without needing extra syrups or sweeteners. The natural sweetness of the banana milk counterbalances the deep bitterness and acidity of espresso, leaving a smooth, satisfying finish. Visually, the clear contrast between the bright yellow milk layer and dark coffee top makes it a treat for both your eyes and taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything from achieving picture-perfect visual layers to instant coffee substitution tricks and flavor customization. Spend just 5 minutes today to transform your kitchen into an aesthetic modern home cafe!

⏱️ 5m total (Prep 3m / Cook 2m) 📊 Difficulty: Easy 🌶️ Spice: Mild 👥 Yield: 1 serving

A glass of layered banana milk latte with espresso on top and ice cubes

Servings Ingredient Calculator

Default: 1 serving (Adjusts quantities automatically)

1 Servings

🥬 Main Ingredients

Korean Banana-flavored Milk1 bottle (240ml)
Espresso2 shots (approx. 60ml)
Ice cubes1 cup (approx. 150g)

🌿 Toppings & Garnish

Cinnamon powder or Cocoa powderA pinch (Optional)

🔄 Ingredient Substitutes & Tips

Original Ingredient	Recommended Substitute	Characteristics & Tips
Korean Banana-flavored Milk	240ml Milk + 1/2 Banana (or 1 tbsp Sugar)	Substitute 1:1; provides a more natural and nutty sweetness instead of artificial flavor.
Espresso	2 sticks of instant black coffee powder + 60ml hot water	Brewing densely with less water mimics the rich bitterness, though with less crema.

📊 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories

220 kcal

Sodium

115mg

Fat

6.5g

Protein

👨‍🍳 Cooking Steps

Fill a serving glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.

💡 Tip: Harder ice cubes prevent the drink from diluting too quickly.

Slowly pour one whole bottle of banana-flavored milk (240ml) over the ice.

💡 Tip: Leave about 20% of space at the top of the glass for the espresso.

Extract 2 shots of espresso (approx. 60ml). Alternatively, dissolve 2 packets of instant black coffee in 50ml of hot water.

💡 Tip: Letting the coffee cool down slightly helps in creating distinct layers.

Slowly and gently pour the espresso directly onto the topmost ice cube to create a beautiful gradient layer.

💡 Tip: Pouring the espresso over the back of a spoon helps prevent the layers from mixing.

Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top if desired.

💡 Tip: Stir thoroughly with a straw before drinking to blend the sweet banana and bold coffee flavors.

🌟 Pro Chef Tips

• Pouring the espresso extremely slowly over a single ice cube is key to keeping the coffee and milk layers separated.
• If you prefer it less sweet, add an extra shot of espresso or reduce the amount of banana milk.
• When using instant coffee powders, dissolve them with very little water to ensure a thick brew that holds up to the strong banana flavor.

⚠️ Avoid Common Pitfalls

❌ Pouring hot espresso too fast will instantly mix the layers, ruining the visual presentation.
❌ Using too much water to dissolve instant coffee will result in a watery, tasteless latte.
❌ Not stirring before drinking means drinking bitter espresso first and overly sweet milk last.

🧂 Spice & Seasoning Adjustments

• For a bolder coffee flavor, add an extra espresso shot.
• Drizzle chocolate syrup along the inner glass for a banana mocha twist.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Best consumed immediately after preparation.
• Storage is not recommended as ice will melt and dilute the drink over time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use low-fat or light banana milk instead?

A. Yes, but it might have a slightly lighter body and less sweetness than the original full-fat banana milk.

Q. Can I make this as a hot drink?

A. Heating banana milk can over-intensify the artificial banana aroma. It is highly recommended to enjoy this drink cold/iced.

Q. What if I don't have an espresso machine or capsule machine?

A. You can dissolve 2 sticks of instant black coffee powder in 50-60ml of hot water to create a strong coffee base.

Q. Why are my layers mixing together immediately?

A. This happens if the espresso is too hot or poured too fast. Let the coffee cool slightly and pour gently over a top ice cube or the back of a spoon.

Q. Does it taste the same with decaf coffee?

A. Yes! Decaf espresso or decaf instant coffee works wonderfully with banana milk, making it a great evening treat without caffeine.

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