(BPT) - Drinking a cold glass of milk straight from the carton can be a delicious and hydrating way to start or end your day — with the bonus of getting essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamins A and D, and protein to support your everyday nutrition.
But, if you're in the mood to take your milk moments to the next level, it can be fun to experiment with new flavors to stir things up! Here are 5 recipes that will make your milk a little extra fancy and can help you enjoy nourishing, creative moments any time of day.
Honey Lavender Milk
Honey Lavender Milk is a soothing blend of delicate lavender and golden honey, balanced by nourishing whole milk. The subtle herbal notes pair with the natural sweetness of milk, creating a drink that feels luxurious and calming. It's a sip of serenity in every glass. The lavender perks the senses. It smells soothing, tastes delightful and is so photogenically beautiful you will want to share with friends.
Start to finish: 7 minutes (5 minutes to prep, 2 minutes to cook)
Servings: 1
Ingredients
8 fresh lavender flowers (or approximately 1 tablespoon dried)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons honey lavender syrup
Ice
Optional: 1 blackberry, for syrup color
Directions
Make the honey lavender syrup by combining honey, water and lavender flowers in a small saucepan over medium heat. If you want to make the syrup purple, add a blackberry to the mix. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the honey is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, strain into a glass jar.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the milk and 2 tablespoons of the syrup. Shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass and serve.
Strawberry Matcha Milk
It may not be pink, but the matcha in this Strawberry Matcha Milk is a gentle green that arouses curiosity. Earthy matcha meets strawberry for a playful contrast, while Organic Valley® Lactose-Free, Fat Free Skim Milk brings a clean, fresh taste that enhances the matcha's natural umami and the strawberry's sweetness.
Start to finish: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
1 teaspoon matcha powder
2 ounces hot water
2 tablespoons strawberry simple syrup, or to taste
Ice
Optional: Whipped cream and fresh strawberries, for garnish
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth. Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the strawberry syrup, followed by milk to fill the glass about three-quarters full. Top with the matcha mixture.
Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, if desired.
Golden Milk
Golden milk is a warm, spiced hug in a mug. This tasty, comforting drink brings together turmeric, cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup in a comforting blend. The warmth of the spices is balanced by the smoothness of Organic Valley® Whole Milk. With just a splash of vanilla and an optional cinnamon stick, it's a simple way to wind down or warm up.
Start to finish: 15 minutes (5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook)
Servings: 2
Ingredients
2 cups Organic Valley® Whole Milk
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Splash of vanilla extract
Optional 1 cinnamon stick
Optional pinch of ground black pepper or cayenne
Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, turmeric, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Pour evenly into mugs, add the cinnamon stick, if using it. Sprinkle with black pepper or cayenne, if desired. Serve warm.
Cherry Vanilla Moon Milk
It only takes a minute to create this bold and beautiful milk drink. Moon Milk is often enjoyed in the evening to wind down before bed. The cherries — which are known for their antioxidant-rich properties — provide melatonin, serotonin and tryptophan which can help regulate sleep cycles. The cherry juice brings a bright, tart flavor and you can choose the perfect balance for your taste buds by adding more or less juice for a simple sweetness or something a little more tart. Experiment with other juices to jazz up your morning milk routine.
Start to finish: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
2 tablespoons cherry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice (optional)
Directions
Fill a glass with ice, if using. Pour in the cherry juice, add in the vanilla and then top with milk. Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Peanut Butter Banana Mocha
This decadent drink is a dessert in disguise. Chocolate, espresso, banana and peanut butter come together in a rich, indulgent blend to create the Peanut Butter Banana Mocha. The addition of milk from cows raised on organic pastures ties it all together with a smooth, creamy finish. Whether topped with whipped cream or enjoyed straight, it's a treat made better by the goodness of organic dairy.
Start to finish: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
1 tablespoon peanut butter simple syrup
1 tablespoon banana simple syrup
1 to 1 1/2 cup Organic Valley® Lowfat 1% Milk
Ice
Optional: 2 ounces espresso
Optional: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings for garnish and chocolate syrup for drizzling
Directions
Drizzle the inside of a glass with chocolate syrup, if desired. Fill the glass with ice. Add peanut butter and banana syrups. Pour in espresso, if using, then top with milk. Stir to combine.
Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra sweet treat.
Make Mine with Milk, Please
Organic Valley offers a variety of milk, including fat-free, whole, and lactose-free; other milk options include Grassmilk®, which comes from cows that only eat organic grasses and dried forages, and Family First®, which includes DHA Omega 3. Whatever you choose, you can feel good knowing all Organic Valley® milks are USDA Certified Organic and come from cows on the cooperative's organic family farms that are raised without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs.
Whether you need some pizzazz in your glass, are planning a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home with family, let Organic Valley® Milk fuel your creativity — naturally.
