Looking for a new way to enjoy coffee? Try out this Coffee Milk recipe! This drink is popular in Rhode Island, and it's easy to make at home. All you need is milk and coffee simple syrup to make a creamy coffee-flavored drink that makes a perfect morning beverage or afternoon pick-me-up.
Did you know that each US state has its own official drink? In Rhode Island, the state drink is coffee milk!
Coffee milk is simply milk that has been flavored with coffee syrup. Coffee syrup is made by boiling coffee, sugar, and water until it becomes a thick syrup.
This concentrate was invented in the 1930s by a man named David L. Brown who owned a dairy company in Rhode Island. He started selling the coffee syrup to local cafes, and it quickly became a popular way to make coffee around New England.
Nowadays, you can find coffee milk in many cafes and grocery stores across the country.
If you want to try making it at home, all you need is milk and coffee simple syrup.
To make a cup, simply combine equal parts milk and coffee syrup for a delicious and refreshing drink! It makes lots of syrup, so keep it in the fridge and enjoy it day after day.
Looking for a caffeine-free drink? Try strawberry milk!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's made with simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
- You can easily make it vegan or dairy-free depending on the milk you choose.
- A great way to enjoy the flavor of coffee without drinking a whole cup.
- Customize the amount of coffee syrup you use to your liking.
Ingredients
- Milk - Cold milk makes up the base of this drink offering a creamy and satisfying beverage.
- Ice - Rhode Island coffee milk is served ice cold.
- Coffee Simple Syrup - Making your own coffee simple syrup is quick and easy. Simply dissolve sugar into brewed coffee and store for later use. See below for how to make it.
Please see the recipe card below for quantities.
How to make coffee milk
Wondering how to make this recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prepare the syrup: For the syrup, add the coffee and sugar to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely; it will thicken as it cools.
Assemble the beverage: Add ice to glasses, then pour in the milk. Then add cooled coffee syrup to each glass to get your desired strength of flavor. Stir to fully combine and enjoy!
Top tips
If you're making the syrup right before making coffee milk, be sure that it is cooled completely in order to keep it from melting the ice.
The amount of syrup you use depends on how much sweetness or coffee flavor you enjoy. Feel free to experiment with the best amount that works for you. I don't like mine too strong, but you might like it nice and sweet!
When I'm making a large batch to serve later, I add the ingredients to a pitcher and stir but omit the ice. When I'm ready to serve it, I give it a stir, then pour it over ice.
Variations
If you like coffee flavor without the caffeine, try making coffee milk syrup with decaf coffee.
Sometimes I like to add a little homemade Chai Syrup for dirty chai coffee milk. I like it with Biscoff Syrup too!
To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk. Check that your sugar is vegan.
Add some warming spices to the drink including cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a seasonal twist. Or try adding Speculoos (Biscoff spice), or Pumpkin Pie Spice.
I like to turn it into an adult beverage by adding a shot of rum, bourbon, vodka, or whiskey to the coffee milk. Frangelico is tasty too!
Add a drop of vanilla, almond, or maple extract to change up the flavor.
Storage
Storing: If you're making ahead of time, coffee milk will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a stir before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, pour the coffee milk into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight until completely solid. When ready to use, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or blend them up for frozen coffee milk.
FAQs
The coffee syrup was invented in Rhode Island. The coffee syrup was sold to local cafes, and it quickly became a popular way to make coffee. Nowadays, you can find coffee milk anywhere or you can easily make it at home from scratch.
It depends on the coffee syrup recipe you use. If you make a coffee syrup with decaf coffee, then the Rhode Island coffee milk will be caffeine-free.
This recipe is made with whole milk and simple sugar. So like any other sweetened drink, it should be consumed in moderation.
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Coffee Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- 1 cup Ice
- 3 tablespoons coffee syrup
Instructions
For the coffee milk syrup:
- *Click the link for the full ingredients list and method*Add the coffee and sugar to a pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely; it will thicken as it cools.
For the coffee milk:
- Add ice to glasses, then pour in the milk.
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons of the cooled coffee milk syrup to each glass (or more or less to taste).
- Stir and enjoy.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Alison
We loved this as a creamy morning drink that's subtly sweet with a hint of coffee flavor! Sooo making it agian next weekend.
Heidy
This Coffee Milk recipe was terrific! The problem is now my husband, and I are addicted to it! LOL! Definitely a keeper!
Sharon
This coffee milk is the perfect drink for when you want to swap out your afternoon tea for something different. So tasty!
Jacqueline Meldrum
That will be just perfect cone summer. Tasty and easy!