Nom Yen Recipe (Thai Pink Milk - นมเย็น) 2-Ways

Name: Nom Yen Recipe (Thai Pink Milk - นมเย็น) 2-Ways
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3.4 fluid ounces Sala syrup (see notes); 13.5 fluid ounces lukewarm water; 3.4 fluid ounces sweetened condensed milk; 6.8 fluid ounces evaporated milk; crushed ice; 1.7 fluid ounce Sala syrup; 1.7 fluid ounce sweetened condensed milk; 4 tablespoons creamer powder; 3.4 fluid ounces evaporated milk; 6.8 fluid ounces cow milk; crushed ice

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Nom yen recipe is the best refreshing cold drink for those hot summer days. Sweetened and iced, this Thai pink milk cools you down in the most delicious way.

Creamy Thai nom yen pink milk in a tall glass, with streaks of Sala syrup.

With a perfect balance of sweet and creamy, this pink drink is an absolute hit with both kids and adults alike.

Cha manao, the best Thai lime iced tea, and this refreshing green Thai tea recipe are perfect for those avoiding milk. They’re both easy to make and a must-try!

What is nom yen

Nom yen is a traditional Thai beverage, known for its pink color and sweet flavor. This iced drink combines Sala syrup mixed with water, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.

“Nom” means milk, and “yen,” in this case, means iced. Nom yen translates to iced milk or cold milk.

What does pink milk taste like

Thai pink milk, also known as nom yen, offers a sweet, creamy, and milky flavor profile. Often served iced, it’s the perfect refreshment for warm summer days. It shares some similarities with a strawberry milkshake, but it’s unique in its own way.

Nom chompoo

Also known as nom chompoo, this pink drink can be found on every street of Bangkok and is a beloved staple throughout Thailand.

Chilled drinks are a daily thing in Thai culture, and you’ll find street vendors whipping up these delightful beverages on every corner – be it iced coffee, Thai tea, or a variety of mixed fruit drinks.

Two refreshing glasses of Thai nom yen pink milk. — Thai nom yen prepared using method 1.

This is the recipe for one of Thailand’s most cherished sweet drinks, and you’ll be surprised by how effortlessly it comes together – sweet, creamy, and ready in just 5 minutes.

In this easy nom yen recipe, I’ll guide you through two delicious methods, so you can make the best authentic Thai-style pink milk drink at home. I’ve experimented for several days to achieve the best creamy and smooth texture, but feel free to adjust the ingredients or simply omit the milk for a lighter version.

The first method is the easiest: simply combine the ingredients and pour the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. The second method prepares a red syrup for coating the glass and pouring onto your served pink milk drink.

Two glasses of Thai nom yen pink milk, with a backdrop of Sala syrup bottle. — Thai nom yen prepared using method 2, with streaks of Sala syrup coating the glass.

This drink is particularly popular among Thai kids, but let’s be clear – it’s absolutely fine for everyone. There’s nothing wrong for adults to stroll through a street food market with a vibrant pink drink in their hand!

And hey, it’s an excellent choice to cool down after enjoying a spicy dish like som tum Thai (green papaya salad) or pad kra pao.

Best things about Thai pink drink

Uniquely refreshing: You can serve your Thai pink milk with an icy chill for beating the heat in the most delicious way.

Quick and easy: After you make it once, you’ll be able to whip it up again without even needing this recipe.

Customizable: Prefer it sweeter? No problem! Skipping the milk? It’s still fantastic! This recipe is loaded with tips for customization.

2-Methods: This is a 2-way recipe with 2 delicious variations!

Authentic: Made with traditional ingredients like evaporated milk, this recipe gives you a taste of what you’d find in Thailand.

Versatile: It’s perfect for a party, a backyard BBQ, a family gathering, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Method 1

Hales blue boy Sala syrup – The key ingredient you’ll need is a vibrant red syrup, infused with the taste of Sala, a palm fruit native to Southeast Asia. It’s a richly sweet syrup made mostly out of sugar. Hale’s Blue Boy is your go-to for making this recipe. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores and at Asian markets.
Sweetened condensed milk – This is milk that has been thickened by removing water and then sweetened with sugar. It’s much sweeter and thicker than regular milk due to the added sugar. In Thai cuisine, its sweetness and creamy texture make it a beloved ingredient for Thai beverages.
Evaporated milk – Like sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk is also concentrated by removing water. However, it doesn’t have added sugar, making it less sweet. It’s creamier and thicker than regular milk, but not as sweet as sweetened condensed milk. In nom yen, it adds creaminess and richness without extra sweetness.
Lukewarm water – Water is crucial for diluting the syrup and helps in achieving the right consistency.
Crushed ice – Crushed ice is the key to making your nom yen perfectly cool and refreshing. If you have an ice crusher, that’s perfect. If you don’t, you can simply crush regular ice using a pestle or a sturdy tool. The ice adds a delightful chill to the drink, making it an ideal summer beverage.

Method 2

Hales Blue Boy Sala Syrup – Sala syrup is vegan, suited for a plant-based diet, and it’s gluten-free too. You can use your Sala syrup to make shaved ice.
Sweetened condensed milk – Mixed with creamer powder and Sala syrup, this creates a thick syrup for drizzling around the rim of your glass and for topping your finished drink.
Creamer powder
Evaporated milk – A mix of evaporated milk and fresh milk is poured into the syrup-coated glass, creating a blend of creaminess and dairy deliciousness.
Cow milk (fresh milk)
Crushed ice

How to make nom yen

Method 1

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher: Sala syrup, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and lukewarm water. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Pouring the sweet pink milk into a glass.

Step 2: Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour the prepared nom yen mixture.

Method 2

Stirring pink Sala syrup with creamer and sweetened condensed milk in a pitcher.

Step 1: Stir the pink Sala syrup with creamer and sweetened condensed milk in a pitcher. Mix well into a sticky texture.

2 Empty glasses with Sala syrup coating.

Step 2: Coat the glasses with the prepared syrup, pour a small amount of syrup into the glass, tilt and rotate it to create a streaked pattern.

Glasses filled with crushed ice and Sala syrup.

Step 3: Fill the glasses with crushed ice.

Pouring milk in glasses with ice and sala syrup.

Step 4: Combine cow milk and evaporated milk and then gently pour the mixture into the glass, over the crushed ice.

Pouring sala syrup on nom yen served in a long glass.

Step 5: Drizzle a final splash of your prepared Sala syrup. Enjoy!

Kitchenware

Measuring cups and spoons
Pitcher or mixing bowl
Tall glasses for serving
Spoon or stirrer

Perfecting your Thai milk drink

Create a layered effect: Method 2 is perfect for creating a visually appealing drink. You can experiment with pouring the milk and syrup at different times to create color gradients in your glass.

Chill your glasses: Chill your glasses in your freezer before serving to keep your drinks colder for longer.

Use crushed ice: Crushed ice cool your drink better than whole cubes.

Chill your milk: Make sure your milk is cold to prevent the ice from diluting your drink too much.

Different flavors

No Sala syrup: If you can’t find Sala syrup, you can replace it with fruit-flavored syrups like raspberry or strawberry syrup, this adds a delightful fruity flavor.

Less sweet: Simply reduce the amount of Sala syrup or sweetened condensed milk. You can also dilute the drink with more water if it’s too sweet.

Dairy-free: Replace the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with non cow milk like almond milk or soy milk. You can also use a dairy-free creamer powder. You can even mix Sala syrup with sparkling water!

Ways to serve

Iced nom yen is the perfect refreshment on a hot summer’s day. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a variety of spicy Thai dishes, like tom yum talay and Thai eggplant curry. The creamy sweetness helps balance the heat.

Make sure to serve it into chilled glasses and optionally with a topping of fruit like strawberry or raspberry.

Keeping fresh

If you have leftover pink milk drink, simply store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container or glass bottle or jug. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for making ahead of time for your next party! Avoid freezing and stir before serving again.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find Sala syrup?

Sala syrup is usually available at Asian grocery stores or online. Hale’s Blue Boy is a popular brand for authentic Thai pink milk.

Can I make this without milk?

Yes! You can simply leave out the milk if you want to.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, and it doesn’t take long to make, so I advise making it before serving.

How do I store Sala syrup?

To keep Sala syrup fresh and flavorful, store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.

What does Sala syrup taste like?

Sala syrup is a sweet artificial drink and tastes similar to strawberry.

What is sala syrup?

Sala syrup is a sweet, bright red syrup used in Thai drinks, famous for its unique flavor. Made from the exotic Sala fruit native to Southeast Asia, it adds a distinct sweet and slightly floral taste to beverages like Thai pink milk. This syrup is essential for this authentic Thai drink recipe.

Thai drink recipes

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