Instant Coffee was probably the first form of coffee, that most of us tried. For most of us, before we got introduced to the world of different coffee roasts, and brewing techniques – Instant Coffee was how we started our coffee journey.
The question we need to answer today is whether we can add instant coffee to milk or not. The simple answer to this question is yes, you can definitely add instant coffee to milk. In fact, many people choose to have instant coffee directly with milk and not water. Thanks to its powder-like consistency, it dissolves very easily and tastes like a fresh cup of brew.
The point where people argue, whether instant coffee is even a proper coffee, is a discussion for another time. What we cannot fail to appreciate is its ease of use and how quick it is to make a nice cup of coffee without going through the tedious process of brewing coffee.
Today, we want to discuss whether you can add instant coffee to hot milk or not? If yes, what is the correct way of doing so? How do you make yourself an amazing instant iced coffee and what are the mistakes you must avoid with instant coffee. Continue reading to find out more!
Can You Make Nescafe With Just Milk?
Yes, you can make Nescafe with just milk. As a matter of fact, Nescafe has heavily marketed its instant coffee to be consumed with milk directly in the form of hot coffee or iced coffee. This is also how ‘Frappe’ came into the picture.
And before you ask, no frappe is not the same as a frappuccino. You can read all about these two drinks and the difference between the two in this article we wrote.
We have personally tried Nescafe with milk and it tasted delicious. The only point to look out for is when using milk always add a little extra coffee as the sweetness in the milk is going to reduce the taste of coffee.
Also Read: Can You Add Milk Directly To French Press?
Does Instant Coffee Dissolve Properly With Milk?
Yes, it will dissolve completely in milk. Depending on the type of milk you are using and also the fine granules that the instant coffee powder has it can take a couple of minutes, but it will dissolve. After all, that is the whole purpose of Instant coffee to make it quick and easy for the user.
How Do You Make Nescafe Coffee With Milk?
Making Nescafe with milk is one of the easiest ways to prepare delicious coffee in minutes. With no need for a fancy espresso machine, you can have fresh and nice-smelling coffee within minutes. Here is how you can make Nescafe coffee with milk in under a few minutes.
The first step is to take a good quality Nescafe coffee, you can take your pick from here. We suggest you go with nicely roasted Arabica beans that are intense, strong, and dark. Next, take 1 tsp of coffee, and 2 tsp of hot water and stir it in a glass properly so that the coffee dissolves.
Meanwhile, take a milk frother, if you do not have one just boil your milk and whisk it properly in order to cream foam. You can read all about this method of frothing milk without a frother here.
Next, add the coffee mixture to a cup and pour the hot frothy milk. You can also add sugar if you prefer sweet coffee.
Can I Put Instant Coffee In Cold Milk?
Yes, you can mix instant coffee in cold milk. One of my most favorite methods is to make cold coffee using instant coffee and cold milk. The instant coffee powder might take a minute or two to dissolve, but you can always use a hand mixer or hand frother for the same. This also gives the iced coffee a velvety frothy texture.
Some instant coffee brands might be different than the others, some might have a fine powder, and some are a little more granulated. Therefore it is only best to use a good-quality instant powder like the Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee. Another thing many people like to do is take a little hot water and dissolve the instant coffee first, and then add ice and cold milk. This is to ensure it does not forms lumps or anything.
How Much Milk Should I Add In Instant Coffee? Is It Safe To Add To Too Much Milk?
You can add as much and as little milk as you prefer. Adding milk to instant coffee does not have any health hazards, until of course you are using fresh milk.
However, the one thing you might want to watch out for is when you add too much milk, it reduces the effect and taste of coffee. Which then would make it taste bland. Hence, it is best to use milk with coffee proportionately.
Can You Use Both Milk and Water In Your Instant Coffee?
Yes, you can use both milk and water in your instant coffee. In actual fact, we suggest you use both as it balances out the coffee with milk. When you add too much milk to the instant coffee it reduces the taste of coffee, making it feel mild.
If you use only water, it feels like you are having a watery coffee mix, which also tastes very bland. Therefore, a combination of both milk and water is what is going to serve you well and taste better as well.
What Is Better: Instant Coffee With Milk Or Water?
This is one interesting subject we can talk about. The Short answer: it depends on your taste and preference. I know people who hate instant coffee with water, whilst some who can only consume instant coffee with water.
The long answer however is to understand how milk and water react differently to instant coffee. Water is plain liquid, it has no taste, smell, or color to it. Unlike milk, water does not have any nutrient components hence it makes it easy for instant coffee to dissolve. Due to its non-existent taste and color, the only thing you will be able to taste is instant coffee.
It is also a great option when you are looking for a low-calorie or zero calories coffee option. But on the other end, the disadvantage of using water is that if you add excess coffee, water will not be able to balance out the bitter taste.
With Milk on the other hand, if you have added too much coffee the milk can balance the bitter taste, rendering it a more light and sweeter aroma. Milk contains fats, protein, and sugar which might react with instant coffee and it may take longer for it to dissolve. Apart from that instant coffee will change its taste, aroma, and as soon as the milk is added.
Our final words on whether instant coffee is better with milk or coffee are that it can be used with both milk and water. And both of them serves different purposes and appeals to people with different taste palette. If you are someone who prefers black and strong coffee – go with water; if you prefer mild and sweet, go with milk.
What Is The Best Type Of Milk To Use In Your Instant Coffee?
The entire purpose of Instant Coffee is to make a quick and delicious coffee at home. Now that you know you can mix it with milk and enjoy it, it is also important to know what kind of milk goes best with instant coffee.
Traditionally, baristas prefer using Whole Milk for coffee as it is high in fat content, which gives it a velvety texture and a creamy mouthfeel. When you add whole milk with coffee it gives it a good texture and taste to balance out the coffee flavor.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light-feeling coffee, Skim Milk is the best option. Skim milk is the best way to create some light milk foam for cappuccinos and Macchiatos. Since skim milk has a low-fat content it provides you with a more mellow coffee.
Can We Use Non-Dairy Milk With Instant Coffee?
Plant Milk has become quite a famous alternative to milk. From Almond to Oats, there are a lot of vegan milk alternatives. This milk does not have the same nutrient composition as Whole Milk and hence impacts how it tastes with your coffee.
In simple words, Yes you can use non-dairy milk with instant coffee. Since each milk has a different taste and texture, you might have to try it for yourself to find out what version you like the best.
What Is The Best Non-Dairy Alternative for Instant Coffee?
Many studies and health experts have claimed that non-dairy milk is better than dairy, hence we need to keep in mind when we are discussing beverages like coffee what other options are there for people who have adopted a vegan lifestyle or are lactose intolerant.
Here are some of the best non-dairy alternatives for your coffee-
1. Almond Milk – Almond Milk has a potent nutty flavor to it which complements it well with instant coffee. When you try to froth it, it also froths better than other forms of plant-based milk.
2. Soy Milk – Soy Milk has a naturally sweet taste that resembles that of dairy milk. But, it sometimes tends to make the coffee grainy and is also isn’t as smooth as dairy.
3. Oat Milk – Oat Milk has become a favorite to many. Its creamy texture is similar to that of whole milk, it also offers a lot of nutritional benefits.
4. Coconut Milk – Coconut Milk is said to have a lot of health benefits. Only try coconut milk with coffee if you like the taste of coconut since not everyone likes the flavor of coconut milk with their coffee.
If we had to choose amongst the above, we would definitely go with Almond Milk. It is light and has a nutty taste and it does not taste very different from a regular dairy.
Can You Use Cream With Instant Coffee?
Yes, you can use cream with instant coffee. Cream in its nature is very thick so it takes a little time for instant coffee to dissolve. However, you can always try dissolving it with a little water first as we suggested.
Can You Use Half-and-Half With Instant Coffee?
Half-and-Half actually goes really well with coffee. The same is with instant coffee, you can definitely add half-and-half to instant coffee.
Delicious Hot Coffee With Instant Coffee Powder
We know that instant coffee goes really well with hot milk. If you love trying out different versions of coffee at home, this one hot coffee with instant coffee is something you will definitely enjoy as it only takes a few minutes and is very refreshing. Here is how to make a delicious cup of hot coffee with instant coffee powder –
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Instant Coffee Powder
- 2 tbsp Water
- ¾ cup Milk
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
The Process
1. Warm some water in the microwave. Take instant coffee in a coffee mug and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir properly to ensure it is mixed completely and no coffee granules are left.
2. Add sugar to the coffee mix and stir properly. Next, take a milk frother and froth the milk until it becomes light and foamy.
3. Add milk to the coffee and sugar mix. Finally, sprinkle some cinnamon.
There you have it a cozy cup of coffee made with instant coffee powder. Relax and enjoy this coffee. It tastes just as good as the ones made using a fancy coffee machine.
How Not To Make Instant Coffee? Mistakes You Could Be Making
Yes, you can make mistakes while making instant coffee as well. This is probably why you felt a sour, bitter, or burnt taste and thought instant coffee was no good.
There is a correct way of doing things with instant coffee as well, just as you would follow the exact method and steps while brewing coffee using other methods. Here are some mistakes we think you could be making with instant coffee-
1. Not using fresh coffee
This does not come as much of a surprise to us as we know many people do not check the date of use before using a product. Instant coffee has a long expiration date but it does go bad, especially if it has been exposed to air and water.
It might form a lump, almost rock-like texture and that is when you know it will taste bland. It is advisable to store in an airtight container in a cool environment. If your instant coffee looks like what we described it is probably not fresh anymore.
2. Using too hot water
This is a common mistake with coffee. Boiling hot water burns the coffee granules leaving it with an extremely bitter and burnt taste. The best way to keep a watch on the water temperature is to use a kitchen thermometer.
You will find that many coffee makers follow a certain water temperature, this is because water that is too hot can entirely ruin the coffee batch. Adding sugar or milk to it might balance the taste of the burnt coffee, but it won’t taste the same.
3. Using too much coffee powder
Finally, the one thing where you could be going wrong is using too much coffee. Normally it is recommended to take around 1 teaspoon of coffee per cup of milk or water. If you prefer a strong coffee you can add more.
5 Delicious Recipes Using Instant Coffee & Milk
1. Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Dalgona had to be on our list of delicious instant coffee recipes. If you haven’t already hopped on the trend bandwagon, hop on now. Take out your whisk, and some instant coffee and whip up this awesome coffee recipe.
This recipe by Little Sunny Kitchen perfectly explains how to make Dalgona coffee at home. Find it here!
2. Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffe
The delightful combination of milk, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate is truly the best coffee combination one can try. Love frappuccinos and mocha iced coffee, but it feels like too much effort to make it at home. This quick instant coffee recipe will change your mind.
Fox valley foodie perfectly explains how to make a classic vanilla mocha iced coffee at home. Find the recipe here!
3. Instant Iced Caramel Latte
Latte? Good, Caramel? Good? Instant? Good! What is not to love about this classic instant iced caramel latte. Decadent caramel syrup and cool iced coffee made instantly, this recipe is going to be your favorite summer beverage.
Find out more about this amazing recipe here!
4. Almond Milk Mocha
We talked about milk, but we sure could not miss out on plant-based milk. This Almond Milk Mocha is going to be every vegan’s dream. It is sweet, creamy, and luscious.
A must-try. Find the recipe for Almond Milk Mocha here!
5. Pumpkin Spiced Dalgona Coffee
If you enjoyed Dalgona, you are sure going to enjoy this fun twist to Dalgona. This pumpkin-infused coffee is rich in spice and flavors. ‘Delicious’ is the word that comes to our mind when we think of it.
Check the recipe for pumpkin-spiced dalgona coffee here!
Final Thoughts
Everyone who wishes to try out coffee usually starts with instant coffee and it is in fact a very good place to start. The magic that this instant powder can brew within minutes is unparalleled, it can save you on days when you haven’t had the time to brew your coffee and are in need of a quick coffee fix.
Instant coffee in milk is an excellent choice and there is a wide variety of recipes you can try with instant coffee and milk together. If you are a vegan you can also use Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk, or Soy Milk.
At the end of the day, all you need is a nice cup of coffee that does not takes much effort and instant coffee does exactly that for you. Try it with cinnamon, mocha, chocolate, or vanilla, you will truly relish every sip of it. Happy Coffee!
