How to make banana coffee, the Korean drink going viral worldwide

Banana in coffee? Strange as it sounds, the combo has taken social media by storm. Videos of frothy banana lattes and iced banana coffees are racking up millions of views—but this viral trend is hardly new.

In fact, the drink has roots in 1970s South Korea, when the government encouraged banana milk as part of a push to strengthen the domestic dairy industry and improve nutrition in the post-war years.

Why banana works so well with coffee

The natural sweetness of ripe or even overripe bananas balances beautifully with the bold, slightly bitter notes of coffee. Beyond taste, bananas add a nutritional edge: they’re rich in potassium, fiber, and help regulate blood sugar, making the drink not just indulgent but wholesome.

Fruit and coffee have always complemented each other—think orange or cherry flavors in specialty beans—yet banana coffee manages to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

How to make banana coffee at home

Part of the reason banana coffee has gone viral is how simple it is to recreate in your own kitchen. Here are two ways to enjoy it:

Quick and easy banana iced latte

This version requires no espresso machine and takes just a minute to whip up. In a mason jar, combine two tablespoons of quality instant coffee (Colcafe and Verve are popular choices) with a splash of hot water—just enough to dissolve the granules.

Stir, then add a handful of ice. Pour in 10–12 ounces of banana milk, close the jar, and shake vigorously. The shaking serves three purposes: it aerates the mixture, making it creamier; it chips off tiny ice crystals that add texture; and it ensures everything blends evenly.

Pop the lid off and sip straight from the jar—surprisingly café-quality for something so effortless.

Classic iced latte with banana milk

For those with an espresso machine, this approach feels closer to what you’d order in a coffee shop. Start by pulling two shots of espresso with your preferred beans. If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, add about a teaspoon of sugar to the bottom of your glass. Banana milk is sweet, but not as potent as flavored syrups, so the extra sugar helps balance the boldness of a medium or dark roast.Stir in the hot espresso, then add a generous amount of ice. Finally, pour banana milk over the top, stir again, and your drink is ready. The result is smooth, layered, and refreshing—perfect for hot afternoons or as an after-dinner treat.