With no caffeine or espresso, the creamy Babyccino is the perfect coffee shop-style drink for kiddos but tasty enough for all ages! This milky latte-like drink with flavored syrups starts with a simple recipe that deserves a spot in your warm drink rotation. (Bonus: You don’t even need decaf coffee!)
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About this Babyccino recipe
I’ll admit, I’m a little late to the game when it comes to the Babyccino. (Although, I’d argue that my dog is much more inclined to request a pup cup when we stop by a coffee shop, so maybe that’s why!)
In case you’re like me, the Babyccino is a caffeine-free latte — steamed milk with a little simple syrup. Sometimes called a “steamer drink” in the United States, I much prefer the name “Babyccino,” a portmanteau of “baby” and “cappuccino.”
One of the F+W team members told me she makes steamers for her young kiddos whenever they’re envious of her seasonal matcha lattes. And then I remembered my older sister used to bring home flavored steamers for me from her very first job as a bookstore barista back in the day. Maybe I’m not so late after all?
It’s a kid-friendly sip that can really be enjoyed by all ages, and it’s so easy! I love recipes that have a basic formula that can be tweaked to fit personal preferences or moods. Once you master it, you can whip one up at a moment’s notice.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Uses simple ingredients. You only need two things to make this cozy drink.
- Quick and easy to make. No need to make your kitchen into a coffee shop, you can make this with what’s already available.
- Perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for something to cozy up with or want your little one to have a special morning drink, this hits the spot.
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
There’s nothing better than when you already have everything you need to make a drink, and I’m thinking this may be one of those times!
This drink is primarily milk. You can use whichever kind of milk you prefer, but be aware that the texture will change depending on what you use. Whole milk is the golden standard, because it steams beautifully and produces a rich, creamy foam. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, oat milk heats and froths well. It will give your final drink a slightly different flavor than milk, with some sweetness and notes of grains. Any other dairy or non-dairy milks — soy, almond, coconut, etc. — will also work, so play around with what’s in your fridge.
The only other ingredient you’ll need is simple syrup. There are so many different flavors to choose from. Whether you lean into seasonal options like pumpkin spice, gingerbread or mixed berry, or opt for something that works year-round like vanilla or caramel, you really can’t go wrong.
If you order this out and about, you’ll likely see coffee shops use a fancy steaming wand. However, you can make your own steamed milk without one! Keep reading for the different options and several things to watch for so you have the best results.
How to make a Babyccino
I’m going to walk you through crafting a Babyccino with a steamer wand, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry! There are other ways to steam milk that work just as well.
- First, fill a small pitcher with your preferred milk. After prepping your wand by turning the steam on for a few seconds, submerge the wand just under the milk’s surface.
- Tip your pitcher slightly to the side and turn on the wand. You’ll want to create a whirlpool effect to get the most aeration. Turn the wand on for 5-10 seconds or until your milk is warm and bubbly.
Watch the clock. You don’t want your milk to get too hot if you’re making this drink for a kiddo (or want to enjoy it immediately), so you won’t need to steam it as long as you usually would.
- Add your simple syrup to your cup.
- Pour your steamed milk over the simple syrup and stir gently to combine.
How to steam milk without a steamer
If you don’t have an espresso machine * or steamer wand at home, no worries! These foolproof methods for steaming milk can be made in just about any kitchen.
Steamed milk in the microwave
In the microwave, warm your milk to your personal preferences. Typically 30 to 45 seconds is plenty — you want to avoid overheating the milk because it can form a film on top.
Once your milk is warm, grab a handheld frother and use it to froth the milk to your desired texture. Easy, right?
favorite milk frothers
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Stovetop steamed milk
On the stovetop, you’ll follow a similar process to making steamed milk in the microwave. Be cautious because milk has a lower boiling point than water, so it can get too hot too fast and it can even bubble over the pot. Spilt boiled milk is a pain to clean up afterwards — ask me how I know!
- Heat up the milk on the stove in a saucepan. If you want to be precise, use a thermometer to measure your milk until it comes to 150°F (65.5°C).
- Once it has reached your desired temperature, use your frother or a whisk to aerate your milk and enjoy.
Tips & tricks
- Be flexible. If you don’t have a steamer wand, warm your milk in the microwave or on the stove and use a handheld frother to get the texture right.
- Keep a close eye on your milk! It has a lower boiling point than water, so it can get too hot too fast.
- Leave “room” in whatever container you’re using. As you add air to the milk, it will expand and you don’t want it to overflow!
Ways to customize a Babyccino
Like any drink, there are plenty of ways to make this drink your own. As always, defer to the drinker’s preferences to help guide you!
Syrups
You can use just about any coffee syrup. If it’s good with coffee and cream, it will be good with just milk. Even chocolate syrup turns this into a warm chocolate milk situation. So good!
- Cinnamon dolce (my favorite!)
- White chocolate
- Coconut
- Honey
- Spiced apple
- Cherry
- Pumpkin spice
Milks
You can use whatever milk you like. However, whole cow’s milk froths the best, with 2%, 1% and skim milks being great runners-up. If you prefer a non-dairy situation, oat milk is the best substitute, but you can use whatever you like!
- Whole
- Skim
- Oat
- Almond
- Soy
- Coconut
Toppings
Since this is such a simple recipe, it’s easy to make multiple times to find what is your favorite. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a dollop of whipped cream! Or top them with drizzles and dustings of your favorite toppings.
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon
- Marshmallows
- Cocoa powder
- Honey
- Maple syrup
FAQ
No, the Babyccino doesn’t have any caffeine, making it a great option for kids. There’s no coffee or tea — just steamed milk and a sweetener.
If you don’t have a steamer wand, you can still make a great Babyccino with some other tried and true methods.
Leave a comment or tap the ★★★★★ below to leave a rating — it helps others and supports our work. We love hearing how it turned out!
Babyccino (Steamer Drink)
ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk or oat milk
- 1 –2 teaspoons simple syrup vanilla, caramel or plain
- Optional toppings: sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder mini marshmallows
instructions
- Steam or froth the milk using a steamer wand, handheld milk frother * or stovetop method. (See our how to steam milk guide for full instructions.)½ cup whole milk or oat milk
- Pour the steamed milk into a small mug. Stir in simple syrup to taste.1 –2 teaspoons simple syrup
- Top with a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder, or a few mini marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately.Optional toppings: sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
notes
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