Korean banana milk is more than a simple flavored beverage. For many people, it represents comfort, nostalgia, and everyday life in South Korea. Found in nearly every convenience store, this pale yellow drink is known for its gentle banana aroma, smooth texture, and mild sweetness that never feels overpowering.
Over the years, Korean banana milk has gained worldwide popularity through K-dramas, Korean cafés, and social media. While the store-bought version is iconic, making it at home allows you to enjoy a fresher, more natural taste using real ingredients.
This Korean banana milk recipe is designed to replicate the classic flavor while giving you full control over sweetness, texture, and quality. Whether you want a quick breakfast drink, a kid-friendly snack, or a refreshing beverage for warm days, this recipe delivers consistent and satisfying results.
What Is Korean Banana Milk?
Korean banana milk is a milk-based drink flavored with banana. Unlike banana smoothies, it is thinner, smoother, and lighter, making it easy to drink rather than spoon.
It is typically served cold and has a subtle banana taste rather than a strong fruit punch. This gentle flavor is what makes it appealing to both children and adults.
The homemade version focuses on real bananas instead of artificial flavoring, resulting in a naturally sweet and creamy drink that feels closer to real food rather than a processed beverage.
Why Make Korean Banana Milk at Home?
Better Ingredient Control
Homemade Korean banana milk lets you avoid artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive sugar. You choose the quality of milk and sweetness level, making it suitable for different diets.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible
Store-bought banana milk can be expensive or unavailable in many regions. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
Customizable to Your Taste
You can easily adjust thickness, sweetness, and flavor intensity. This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for families and repeat use.
Ingredients for Korean Banana Milk Recipe
Core Ingredients
Ripe bananas
Milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
Sweetened condensed milk
Optional Ingredients
Sugar or honey for extra sweetness
Vanilla essence for aroma
Ice cubes for serving
Using ripe bananas is essential. They provide natural sweetness and a smooth texture without overpowering the drink.
Equipment Needed
Blender
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving glasses or bottles
No stove or cooking tools are required.
Step-by-Step Korean Banana Milk Recipe
Preparing the Banana
Choose a ripe banana with a bright yellow peel. Peel and slice it into small pieces to ensure smooth blending.
Blending the Ingredients
Add the banana slices, milk, condensed milk, and vanilla essence to the blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Adjusting Taste and Texture
Taste the banana milk. Add sugar or honey if needed. If the drink feels too thick, add a little more milk and blend again.
Chilling and Serving
Refrigerate the banana milk for 10 to 15 minutes for the best flavor. Serve chilled, with ice cubes if desired.
Texture and Flavor Tips
Getting the Right Creaminess
Whole milk gives the most authentic texture. Low-fat milk results in a lighter drink, while plant-based milk creates a different flavor profile.
Sweetness Balance
Condensed milk provides classic sweetness. Add it gradually to avoid overpowering the banana flavor.
Banana Selection Matters
Avoid underripe bananas. They lack sweetness and can affect the overall taste.
Korean Banana Milk Variations
Low-Sugar Version
Reduce condensed milk and rely on ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Dairy-Free Version
Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Creamy Dessert-Style
Add a small amount of fresh cream for a richer, dessert-like texture.
Honey Banana Milk
Replace sugar with honey for a softer, more natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Korean banana milk can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serve as a breakfast drink
Pair with pastries or toast
Offer as an afternoon snack for kids
Serve in small bottles for parties
Enjoy chilled on hot days
Its mild flavor pairs well with both sweet and neutral foods.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
Natural Separation
Separation is normal. Shake well before drinking.
Freezing Advice
Freezing is not recommended, as it affects texture after thawing.
Nutritional Overview
This Korean banana milk recipe provides natural carbohydrates from bananas, calcium from milk, and energy from condensed milk. While not a low-calorie drink, it fits well into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unripe bananas
Adding too much condensed milk at once
Under-blending the mixture
Serving at room temperature
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth and authentic result.
Why This Korean Banana Milk Recipe Works
This recipe balances authenticity with simplicity. It stays true to the creamy, lightly sweet nature of classic Korean banana milk while remaining easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Korean Banana Milk Recipe: A Creamy Homemade Version
This Korean Banana Milk recipe is a creamy, lightly sweet, and refreshing beverage inspired by the iconic Korean convenience store drink. Made with real bananas and milk, this homemade version is quick, affordable, and free from artificial flavors—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cooling summer drink.
Ingredients
For the Banana Milk Base
Instructions
Prepare the Bananas
- Peel a ripe banana and slice it into small pieces. Using a ripe banana is important because it provides natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor without needing too much added sugar.
Blend the Base
- Add the sliced banana, cold milk, condensed milk, and vanilla essence into a blender. Blend on high speed for 30–45 seconds until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the banana milk. If you prefer it sweeter, add sugar or honey and blend again for a few seconds. If it feels too thick, add a little more cold milk to reach your desired consistency.
Chill (Optional but Recommended)
- For the most authentic Korean convenience-store experience, refrigerate the banana milk for 10–15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and makes the drink extra refreshing.
Serve
- Pour the banana milk into chilled glasses. Add ice cubes if desired and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Note
You can use low-fat or plant-based milk (almond or oat) for a lighter version, though the taste will be less traditional.
Avoid overripe bananas with dark spots, as they can overpower the drink.
Store in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
For kids, skip added sugar—the banana and condensed milk are usually sweet enough.
