Can You Make Instant Coffee With Milk? (A Complete Answer)

Can you make instant coffee with milk instead of water?

The short answer is yes. Milk contains mainly water. Instant coffee will dissolve without a problem in milk or even cream. It will undoubtedly taste less like coffee and more like a weak latte.

Note:
A latte is simply just coffee and milk.

Introduction

Since milk consists mostly of water, brewing coffee with water is not only possible but also one of the most common methods. While some enjoy the rich, creamy texture of coffee made with milk, others prefer the bold simplicity of black coffee made with water. In this article, we’ll explore how to make coffee with milk instead of water.

But before we dive in, let’s first understand what instant coffee is.

What is instant coffee?

Instant coffee is actually coffee. It is a product made from brewed coffee beans that are ground, dehydrated, and packed. Instant coffee allows consumers to make coffee quickly by mixing hot water with powdered or crystalline coffee solids, also called solubles.

What is the difference between instant and ground coffee?

While instant coffee can be made immediately by dissolving it into hot water, ground coffee requires a well-thought process that only the experts are aware of.

In other words, instant coffee is a cup of coffee that has already been brewed, processed, and packaged. However, prior to being packaged and transported to a coffee shop, where it starts its natural deterioration process, ground coffee is not treated beyond the customary washing and roasting stages.

Without exaggeration, instant coffee may be prepared almost instantaneously (by dissolving it in water), whereas ground coffee requires some work to brew and extract the desired characteristics.

Now that we have seen the difference between instant and ground coffee, let us answer the question!

Can You Make Instant Coffee With Milk Instead Of Water?

The following sections will answer that question. We will also provide a recipe and other suggestions on how to make instant coffee with milk taste better.

1. Milk instead of water?

Most of the milk is water. So the obvious answer to this question is yes. Depending on your liking, there are several ways to prepare instant coffee with milk. Some people add instant coffee and mix. Others prefer to heat milk with instant coffee so that it may dissolve easily.

How much water is there in milk?

Milk contains a lot of water. According to Harvard T.H. Chan, water makes up about 87 percent of whole cow’s milk. Protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals make up the remaining 13%.

To enhance calcium intake and lower the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise consuming three 8-ounce cups of milk (or equivalent portions of other dairy foods like cheese or yogurt) per day.

2. Coffee with water vs coffee with milk

Coffee with Water vs. Coffee with Milk

Coffee brewed with water isn’t for everyone—some find it too bitter. Using milk instead can reduce the bitterness, creating a smoother and creamier taste. The table below highlights the key differences between the two methods.

Feature	Coffee with Water	Coffee with Milk
Taste	Strong, bold, sometimes bitter	Smoother, creamier, and slightly sweet
Texture	Thin and light	Rich and velvety
Bitterness	More pronounced	Reduced due to milk’s natural sweetness
Preparation	Simply mix with hot water	Requires heating milk before mixing
Dissolution of Instant Coffee	Dissolves quickly	May take longer to dissolve
Calories	Lower (unless sugar/cream is added)	Higher due to milk content
Best For	Those who enjoy strong coffee flavors	Those who prefer a milder, creamier coffee

That being said, let us see how to make instant coffee with milk instead of water.

How to make instant coffee with milk? (The recipe)

Here is one way of making instant coffee with milk:

Ingredients:

• Milk
• Instant coffee
• Sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until hot, but do not let it boil.
2. If a thin layer of “skin” forms on the surface, remove it with a spoon.
3. Pour the hot milk into a cup.
4. Add instant coffee and sugar or honey, if desired.
5. Stir well until the coffee dissolves completely.

This method works well, though some people prefer to mix the instant coffee with a small amount of hot water before adding it to the milk for better dissolution.

Here’s why:

• Better Dissolution – Instant coffee granules dissolve more easily in hot water than in milk, preventing clumps.
• Even Mixing – Mixing coffee with a little water first creates a smooth liquid that blends better with milk.
• Stronger Flavor Control – The concentrated coffee can be adjusted before adding milk, ensuring the desired strength.
• Faster Preparation – This method speeds up the process since coffee granules dissolve quicker in water.

To try this alternative method:

1. Mix instant coffee with a small amount of hot water (about 1–2 tablespoons).
2. Stir until fully dissolved.
3. Add the mixture to the heated milk and stir well.

Other suggestions about this recipe:

• In case the milk doesn’t completely dissolve the coffee. Put a tiny bit of water into your coffee before adding it to the milk.
• If you use a microwave to heat milk, it would be better to add instant coffee and mix before actually putting the cup in the microwave. This way it dissolves better.
• Instead of cow milk, you can also use alternative milk such as rice milk.
• You may also add cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup for even more flavor.
• If you like your coffee cold, you may fill a bottle with milk. Then, add some instant coffee, a little sugar, and any other flavor-enhancing ingredients, such as cinnamon or cocoa powder. Simply shake the bottle vigorously to thoroughly combine the contents.

FAQs About Making Coffee with Milk

Conclusion

Can you make instant coffee with milk? The answer is YES. Instant coffee with milk tastes just as wonderful as the latte at any coffee shop. One way of preparing it is to heat the milk, add instant coffee, and stir. You may also add sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup for even more flavor. If you like your instant coffee cold, put milk in a bottle, add instant coffee, and shake until it dissolves.