If you’re not from the smallest state in our nation, Rhode Island, the term “coffee milk” likely doesn’t hold a lot of meaning to you. I’m from New Jersey, and when I hear “coffee milk,” I picture half-and-half or some coffee creamer. However, to Rhode Islanders or those familiar with the Ocean State, coffee milk has an entirely different meaning.
If you search for photos, this specialty coffee beverage might look like chocolate milk, but it doesn’t contain any chocolate at all. So, what is coffee milk, and what is it made from? Let’s dive into everything about this unique Rhode Island coffee and how you can make it (no matter where you live).
What is coffee milk?
In this hilarious clip from Late Night with Seth Meyers, American TV personality George Motz says people not yet familiar with coffee milk should consider it similar to how you’d make chocolate milk. However, instead of pouring milk into a glass with chocolate syrup, you’ll swap the chocolate syrup for coffee syrup instead. He makes Rhode Island coffee milk by partially filling a glass with milk, adding some coffee syrup, and adding more milk to top off the glass. From there, you’ll need to mix well and enjoy.
When I first learned about coffee milk, I reacted similarly to that of Seth Meyers in the video. Yes, the coffee milk beverage is just milk with added coffee syrup. Even though it’s simple, it’s clearly delicious enough to have earned the state’s official beverage title in 1993.
Where it started
According to Rhode Tour, the drink originated in the 1920s when Italian immigrants came to New Providence, Rhode Island. These immigrants brought their traditions to the state, including their desire for sweetened coffee beverages. Soon, the drink took off, and a soda fountain operator in one of Rhode Island’s local diners developed a coffee syrup made of leftover coffee grounds, milk, and sugar. As Rhode Islanders began experimenting with milk and coffee syrup, “coffee milk” was born.
The type of coffee syrup used in coffee milk can vary, but most Rhode Islanders use a popular brand: Autocrat. Autocrat, headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island, crafts an authentic coffee syrup that pairs perfectly with milk. Luckily, you can buy this coffee syrup online from Amazon and make Rhode Island coffee syrup anywhere. Many coffee milk recipes also use Eclipse Coffee Syrup.
Any milk can be used for the milk component of this drink. Most often, 2% milk is used as it has a great texture and balance that is not too thin or thick. However, many use skim milk for a lower calorie, lower fat option when making coffee milk. I think you could swap out dairy milk for plant-based milk, too, to make almond coffee milk or soy coffee milk.
How to make Rhode Island coffee milk
If you haven’t heard of Rhode Island coffee milk until now, you might’ve assumed it’s a specialty coffee drink with several steps. I was surprised to learn how easy this drink is to make, requiring only two ingredients. You don’t even have to take a trip to Rhode Island to taste this milky, creamy coffee. If you find yourself in Rhode Island, you might even be able to order this state drink from the coffee shop menus.
While this recipe uses two tablespoons of coffee syrup for every eight ounces of milk, you can easily adjust the coffee syrup-to-milk ratio depending on how sweet you like your coffee. I prefer a less sweet coffee, so I’ll use less coffee syrup when making my variation of coffee milk. Here’s how to make this simple yet delicious coffee (is it a type of coffee, or is it milk?)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of milk
- 2 tablespoons of coffee syrup
Method
- Pour milk into a glass.
- Add coffee syrup.
- Stir and enjoy!
Note: You can also try the George Motz method, stop pouring the milk about half-way, add a drizzle of coffee syrup, and add more milk on top. The coffee drizzle makes the glass look more enticing.
Should you try coffee milk?
I firmly believe in trying everything at least once, so everyone should give this Rhode Island specialty coffee a chance. However, I acknowledge that this is more of a snack than a coffee or a glass of milk. The addition of heavily-sweetened coffee syrup makes this drink almost as sweet as your typical Frappuccino, so it might be better as an occasional treat than to replace your everyday cup of coffee.
The other advantage of this drink is that it doesn’t require using ground coffee, which means no brewing is needed. If you have some milk and coffee syrup on hand, you can whip up coffee milk in under 60 seconds. There’s no skill required to make this beverage.
