Sometimes making kids drink their milk is a challenge. My mother used to face the same and made us used to colored (and flavored) milk. As we grew, the choices and options seems to increase! Sharing some of our favorite recipes.
1. Rose milk
Add 1 tsp of rose milk powder to a cup of milk. Smells of rose. Sugar is already added – so, no need to add additional sugar. Tastes good when cold.
Color: Pink
2. Badam Milk (Almond milk)
Add 1 tsp of badam milk powder to a cup of milk. No need to add sugar. Ready to drink. Can be served hot or cold.
Color: Yellow
3. Ragimalt
Drink made of Ragi (finger millet). Healthy drink for children and adults. Add 1 tsp of ragimalt powder to a cup of milk. Need to add sugar for better tasting drink. Tastes good while hot/warm.
Color: Orange
4. Chocolate milk
Squeeze 1 tsp of chocolate syrup in a cup of milk. No need to add sugar. Tastes good when served cold.
Color: Chocolate brown
5. Strawberry milk
Squeeze 1 tsp of strawberry syrup in a cup of milk. No need to add sugar. Tastes good when served cold.
Variation: Try to blend a few fresh strawberries and milk and make a strawberry milkshake!
Color: Pink
6. Cardamom milk
Powder cardamom seeds (or you can get the cardamom powder in shops). Mix 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, sugar and milk. Tastes good when served cold.
Color: Light green
7. Pista milk
Add 1 tsp of Pistachio milk powder to 1 cup of milk. No need to add sugar. Tastes good when served cold.
Color: Green
8. Mango Milk
Add 2 tablespoons of Mango puree to 1 cup of milk. Add sugar for better taste. Tastes good when served cold.
Tip: Run it in a blender for better taste.
Color: Yellow
9. Hot cocoa
Mix one packet of hot cocoa mix in hot milk (or hot water) and serve. Tastes best when served hot.
Tip: Top it off with marshmallow bits, colored marshmallow bits, powdered candy canes, or nutmeg
Color: Brown
10. Vanilla milk
Add 2-3 drop of Vanilla essence 1 cup milk, and add sugar. Tastes best when served cold.
Tip: Try to run it in a blender and serve. Tastes great! Top it off with some nutmeg (for better sleep)!
Color: White (but does not taste like regular milk)
During the first few years of parenting, these flavored milk options were a boon to get children into their daily habits! One color or flavor every day, one for special days, and anything they can get to choose from are great options!
Over a period of time, it was easier to switch over to regular milk works!
Parent creativity cycle goes like this…
Milk -> Flavored milk -> Milkshakes -> Milkshake with icecream -> Regular milk!
Do share any other options that you have tried!