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Summary
A cozy little café drink for kids that sneaks in more than just milk if you want it to.
This is basically a tiny steamer served in a macchiato cup, with warm frothy milk and a pinch of cinnamon on top. We like it as an easy treat, a coffee-shop moment for kids, or a low-drama bedtime drink that feels more special than plain milk. The optional honey adds a little sweetness, and the beetroot powder version gives it a fun pink color that can make vegetables weirdly more acceptable. If you want the kid drink version of a café order, this is it.
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minutesA cozy little café drink for kids that sneaks in more than just milk if you want it to.
Ingredients
90 g 3/8 cup whole milk
0.2 g 1/16 tsp ground cinnamon
1.8 g 1/4 tsp honey (optional)
0.6 g 1/4 tsp beetroot powder (optional)
Equipment
Directions
Before We Start
Keep the milk warm, not scorching: We want it around 130-140°F (57°C to 63°C). Warm enough to feel cozy, not so hot that it tastes cooked or becomes a tongue-burning betrayal.
Beetroot powder gives you the prettiest version: It turns the drink pink and makes the whole thing feel more fun.
Other vegetable powders work too: Spinach powder and spirulina can also be added in small amounts. This is a sneaky little way to get kids to eat their veggies without complaint, and they may actually prefer it.
Honey is optional: Use it if you want a slightly sweeter drink, but this works just fine without it. Sometimes we drizzle a little on top so it seems sweeter than it really is.Heat and Froth the Milk
For the babyccino
90 g | 3/8 cup whole milk
1.8 g | 1/4 tsp honey (optional)
0.6 g | 1/4 tsp beetroot powder (optional)
Using an espresso machine steam wand
Pour the milk into a small milk pitcher. If using beetroot powder, add it to the pitcher as well. In the cup, add the optional honey (if using). Steam the milk with the espresso machine until hot and lightly frothy, aiming for about 130°F to 140°F (57°C to 63°C).
Pour 1/3 of the frothed milk into the cup and stir to incorporate the honey. Fill with the remaining steamed milk.
Using a stove top and whisk or frother
Add the milk to a small saucepan. If using beetroot powder, add it to the saucepan as well. Warm the milk over low heat until it reaches about 130°F to 140°F (57°C to 63°C), then remove it from the heat. In the cup, add the optional honey.
Froth it with a small whisk or handheld frother until lightly foamy.
Pour 1/3 of the frothed milk into the cup and stir to incorporate the honey (if using). Fill with the remaining steamed milk.
Garnish and Serve
For garnish
0.2 g | 1/16 tsp ground cinnamon
There are a few ways to garnish the babyccino. Our go to is a pinch of cinnamon on top. If using the beetroot powder, you can do a pinch of that instead of cinnamon. Also, a drizzle of honey on top is a great add and can allow you to get by with using a lot less honey while still keeping your kid happy.
Enjoy your new barista job, we know your kids will.
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Additional Details About This Recipe
What size cup should I use?
A macchiato cup is the right size here, usually around 3 oz to 4 oz. That keeps the drink feeling like a café treat instead of a full mug of milk.
Can I use a different milk?
Yes, but whole milk gives you the best texture and the richest flavor. Lower-fat milk will still work, but the foam will usually feel thinner and less luxurious.
Can I make this without honey?
Absolutely. It is still good without it, especially if the point is the warm frothy texture more than sweetness.
Does beetroot powder change the flavor much?
A little, but not in a bad way. At this amount, it mostly adds color and a mild earthy note. If your kid is skeptical of vegetables, the pink color usually does more heavy lifting than the actual flavor.
Can I use spinach powder or spirulina instead?
Yes, in a very small amount. Both can work, but they are more assertive than beetroot powder, so start light unless you want the drink tasting like it has opinions.
Can adults drink this too?
Obviously, yes. It is just steamed milk in a tiny cup, which is honestly a solid move when you want something warm without caffeine.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
(Values are estimates based on whole milk only. Optional honey and vegetable powders will change the numbers slightly.)
- Calories: 59 kcal
- Protein: 2.9 g
- Fat: 3.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
- Sugars: 4.7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
- Sodium: 38 mg