Last updated on September 22nd, 2026
I know what it’s like to crave your favorite cafe’s specialty – it’s only natural that you’d want a Summer Moon moon milk recipe! Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to get your hands on. However, I’ve found a way to make homemade moon milk taste just like Summer Moon!
Summer Moon Moon Milk Copycat Recipe
Due to the popularity of the ’vanilla ice cream’ theory, this recipe will be roughly based on vanilla soft serve. What I aim to accomplish with this is a creamer that has roughly the consistency of fluffy, melted soft serve, with a little more flavor to bring you a sweet, moon milk-esque cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: drink
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup caster sugar, sieved
- 1 tbsp dried skim milk powder, sieved
- 2 tsps light corn syrup
- 1 tsp condensed milk
- 2 squares of white cooking chocolate, melted
Optional
- 1 drizzle maple syrup, hazelnut syrup, honey, or Torani syrup depending on preference/opinion
Instructions
- Start off your moon milk by putting your ½ cup milk in a microwavable mug and placing it in the microwave for 40-50 seconds. Then take it out and add to a medium sized bowl, being sure to skim off any skin formed beforehand.
- Cut your squares of white chocolate into quarters or eighths then add them to the bowl, shortly followed by the sugar, skim powder and vanilla. Stir until its all roughly mixed up before whisking – you can do this with a fork if the mixture is too thick. Do this until the sugar and chocolate dissolve into the milk completely. If it isn’t mixing, put it back in the microwave for 20 seconds and try again.
- Once those have been thoroughly incorporated, add in the corn syrup teaspoon by teaspoon, mixing all the while. You can even put some of the original sugar-milk mix in a smaller bowl to do this, so that the corn syrup has a better chance of mixing. Then, do the same with the condensed milk. At this point, you can also drizzle in a touch of any syrup you plan to use.
- Next, leave the mixture to cool – you can even put it in the fridge to hasten the process, if you like. Just make sure to take it out before it gets actually cold, as you want it to be somewhere between room temperature and lukewarm.
- Once the mix is at the right temperature, all you need to do is add the heavy cream! Add in the heavy cream slowly, mixing every time you add a bit. Once its all mixed in, you’re done!
Notes
- Try adding a little to your coffee to see whether it brings back that Summer Moon taste.
- Keep in a clean, tightly closed jar in the fridge for up to maximum 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 37
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 18 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
A Quick Peek into Summer Moon’s Moon Milk
- Moon Milk is Summer Moon’s secret 7-ingredient sweet cream
- The exact recipe is unknown, but vanilla ice cream mix is the leading theory
- You can make a copycat version at home
- It’s available for purchase in-store but not online
What Is Summer Moon Coffee?
Summer Moon is a beloved coffee chain that started in Austin, Texas, about 20 years ago.
Today, you can find their cozy shops across four states: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
What sets them apart is their unique wood-fired roasting method, which gives their coffee a distinctive smoky flavor.
What Is Moon Milk Coffee?
Moon milk from Summer Moon is a signature sweetened creamer blend made, sold and served by Summer Moon Coffee. Not to be confused with Ayurvedic moon milk.
Summer Moon’s Moon Milk is a secret recipe that makes their coffee taste smooth, creamy, and a little sweet. Many people say it has a hint of vanilla flavor.
The Moon Milk is usually mixed with Summer Moon’s coffee, which they roast using a special method with wood fires. This wood-fired roasting gives their coffee a unique, smoky taste.
People like the combination of Summer Moon’s wood-roasted coffee and their Moon Milk creamer.
So, if you want to try a special sweet creamer in your coffee, look for a Summer Moon Coffee shop and ask for their Moon Milk.
And if you can’t do that, check out the recipe in this blog for a copycat!
The Mystery Behind Moon Milk
The Secret Recipe
Unfortunately for curious coffee lovers, Summer Moon’s Moon Milk recipe is completely secret. Here’s what we know for certain:
According to Summer Moon’s official website:
“Moon Milk® is our signature sweet cream. It’s a family recipe made of 7 top-secret ingredients. It does not contain honey or major food allergens. Moon Milk can be made dairy-free for you using oat, soy, almond or coconut milk; your choice.”
Why Is It So Secret?
The recipe is closely guarded – even baristas don’t know what’s in it! The Moon Milk arrives pre-mixed at stores, and it’s speculated that only a few people know the true recipe, likely bound by non-disclosure agreements.
What the Internet Thinks Is In It
After browsing online forums for theories, here are the most popular guesses about Moon Milk’s ingredients (ranked by community votes):
Top Theories:
- Vanilla ice cream mix or vanilla syrup (8 votes)
- Sugar (7 votes)
- Milk (5 votes)
- Heavy whipping cream (3 votes)
- Condensed milk, corn syrup, cinnamon, honey, Torani syrup (2 votes each)
Other Possibilities: Maple syrup, almond extract, simple syrup, hazelnut syrup, smoked cream, butterscotch, horchata, eggnog, marshmallow fluff
Note: These are purely speculative and not confirmed by Summer Moon.
The mystery surrounding its ingredients only adds to its allure, making it a unique selling point for the coffee shop chain.
Summer Moon ‘Moon Milk’ Nutrition
Per tablespoon (15ml):
- Calories: 37
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
For specific amounts used in different drink sizes, check Summer Moon’s website for their detailed chart.
How Many Calories Are In Moon Milk?
There are 37 calories in Summer Moon’s moon milk per tablespoon. One tablespoon is about the equivalent of one individual creamer pod (15ml, depending on the company).
To find out how much moon milk is in a drink at Summer Moon’s, check out this chart on their website.
Nutrition Table
| NUTRIENTS | Amount |
| Carbohydrates | 4 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
| Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated | 4 grams |
| Polyunsaturated | N/A |
| Monounsaturated | N/A |
| Trans | N/A |
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 18 mg |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making
When making your own Moon Milk at home, try these tips to ensure that your Moon Milk turns out creamy, flavorful, and just like the Summer Moon original.
Overheating the Milk
One of the most common mistakes when making Moon Milk is allowing the milk to get too hot. Overheated milk can scorch, resulting in an unpleasant burnt taste. To prevent this, heat your milk over medium-low heat and stir it frequently. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as you see small bubbles forming around the edges.
Not Using Enough Vanilla
Vanilla is a crucial component in replicating the distinctive taste of Summer Moon’s Moon Milk. Be sure to use a sufficient amount of high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. If you don’t use enough vanilla, your Moon Milk may lack the depth of flavor that makes the original so appealing.
Using Poor Quality Ingredients
To achieve the best flavor, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients when making Moon Milk. Opt for whole milk or a rich, creamy non-dairy alternative. Choose a high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and ensure that any additional flavorings, such as cinnamon or honey, are fresh and of good quality.
Insufficient Whisking
Thorough whisking is essential for creating a smooth, lump-free Moon Milk. As you heat the mixture, be sure to whisk it consistently to help the ingredients combine evenly and prevent clumps of sweetener or spices from forming. Continue whisking until the Moon Milk is steaming hot and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Neglecting the Toppings
Toppings can take your Moon Milk from simple to spectacular. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your mug. Experiment with different toppings to discover your favorite combinations and add an extra layer of enjoyment.
Storing Summer Moon’s Moon Milk
Refrigerator Storage (1-2 days)
- Use an airtight container
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
- Best consumed within 3 days for peak flavor
Short-term Storage (few hours)
- Room temperature is okay for immediate use
- Keep away from sunlight and heat
- Use insulated container in warm climates
Safety Tips
- Trust your nose for freshness tests
- Always use clean hands and utensils
- Check expiration dates before storing
- When in doubt about freshness, discard
Food Ideas to Pair with Moon Milk Coffee
Let me know if you’ve got pairings of your own to share!
Breakfast Pairings
- Freshly baked blueberry muffins
- Warm banana bread
- Breakfast sandwiches or wraps
Start your day off right with a Moon Milk and a wholesome breakfast.
Try a freshly baked blueberry muffin or a slice of warm banana bread for a sweet and satisfying combination. For a protein-packed option, pair your Moon Milk with a breakfast sandwich or wrap.
Lunch and Snack Pairings
- Pumpkin bread or buttery shortbread
- Fruit and cheese plates
- Mixed nuts
Treat yourself to a Moon Milk and a delightful snack.
A slice of pumpkin bread or a buttery shortbread pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the Moon Milk. For a lighter option, try a fruit and cheese plate or a handful of mixed nuts.
Dessert Pairings
- Classic chocolate chip cookies
- Soft oatmeal raisin cookies
- Dark chocolate squares
- Chocolate-covered almonds
Moon Milk and a yummy dessert? Heaven.
A classic chocolate chip cookie or a soft oatmeal raisin cookie will complement the warm, cozy flavors of the Moon Milk. For a more decadent treat, indulge in a small square of dark chocolate or a few chocolate-covered almonds.
FAQs: Summer Moon Moon Milk Recipe
What is moon milk at Summer Moon Coffee?
Moon milk is Summer Moon’s signature sweet cream. Touting ’7 secret ingredients’ moon milk is free of all major food allergens. It does not contain honey, and can be made dairy-free with your choice of milk (ask for dairy-free moon milk, or moon juice). Basically, moon milk is like a sweetened creamer.
Does Summer Moon sell moon milk?
Summer Moon do sell their moon milk for home use! Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any instances of their moon milk being sold online, so if you want to get your hands on it you have to go in-store. Luckily, you can get both dairy-free and regular moon milk though!
Is Summer Moon Coffee vegan?
There are vegan options available at Summer Moon – just be sure to ask your barista or check which are suitable on the menu. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any information on whether their moon milk itself is vegan – however, some have stated that while moon milk can be made dairy-free, it is not and cannot be made vegan. Still, we have yet to hear an official answer from Summer Moon themselves.
Does Summer Moon have decaf?
Summer Moon does both serve and sell decaf coffee! They also sell half-caff if you want a little bit of a caffiene kick. Check online for ‘Firelight’, their decaf blend, ‘Spark’, or their half-caff blend if you want some decaf Summer Moon coffee for home use. In-store, they offer decaf espresso. This means you can order any espresso drink either decaf or half caff – just be sure to ask your barista!
FAQs: Ayurvedic Milk
If you were looking up Ayurvedic moon milk and accidentally made your way onto this article (we all fall through Google rabbit holes), allow me to redirect you to these questions here.
For those unfamiliar, Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine. Ayurvedic moon milk is milk brewed with herbs and other such ingredients to make a natural remedy, often for insomnia.
Does Summer Moon sell moon milk?
While Summer Moon do sell *their* moon milk, they don’t sell Ayurvedic moon milk. Summer Moon’s ‘moon milk’ is a sweetened creamer used for coffee, consisting of seven secret ingredients. All we know about it is that it does not contain any major allergens and it is similar to sweetened soft serve vanilla – so, quite different from Ayurvedic moon milk!
How often should I drink moon milk?
Ayurvedic moon milk can be drunk once a day before bed to act as a natural sleep aid.
What are the benefits of moon milk?
Presuming this question is about Ayurvedic moon milk, the ashwagandha herb in it can help to promote effects on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems.
Is moon milk good for kids?
Kids can drink Ayurvedic moon milk in moderation for bedtime to help them sleep – just be sure to use a smaller ratio of herbs when making for children.
How Do You Make Moon Milk – Summer Moon Secret Recipe Revealed!
Serves: Multiple people/multiple uses
| Prep Time: |
| 20 minutes |
Due to the popularity of the ’vanilla ice cream’ theory, this recipe will be roughly based on vanilla soft serve. What I aim to accomplish with this is a creamer that has roughly the consistency of fluffy, melted soft serve, with a little more flavor to bring you a sweet, moon milk-esque cream.
Ingredients
| – ½ cup whole milk, warmed |
| – 1 cup heavy cream |
| – 2 tsps vanilla extract |
| – ⅓ cup caster sugar, sieved |
| – 1 tbsp dried skim milk powder, sieved |
| – 2 tsps light corn syrup |
| – 1 tsp condensed milk |
| – 2 squares of white cooking chocolate, melted |
| – 1 drizzle maple syrup, hazelnut syrup, honey, or Torani syrup depending on preference/opinion (optional) |
Method
- Start off your moon milk by putting your ½ cup milk in a microwavable mug and placing it in the microwave for 40-50 seconds. Then take it out and add to a medium sized bowl, being sure to skim off any skin formed beforehand.
- Cut your squares of white chocolate into quarters or eighths then add them to the bowl, shortly followed by the sugar, skim powder and vanilla. Stir until its all roughly mixed up before whisking – you can do this with a fork if the mixture is too thick. Do this until the sugar and chocolate dissolve into the milk completely. If it isn’t mixing, put it back in the microwave for 20 seconds and try again.
- Once those have been thoroughly incorporated, add in the corn syrup teaspoon by teaspoon, mixing all the while. You can even put some of the original sugar-milk mix in a smaller bowl to do this, so that the corn syrup has a better chance of mixing. Then, do the same with the condensed milk. At this point, you can also drizzle in a touch of any syrup you plan to use.
- Next, leave the mixture to cool – you can even put it in the fridge to hasten the process, if you like. Just make sure to take it out before it gets actually cold, as you want it to be somewhere between room temperature and lukewarm.
- Once the mix is at the right temperature, all you need to do is add the heavy cream! Add in the heavy cream slowly, mixing every time you add a bit. Once its all mixed in, you’re done!
Try adding a little to your coffee to see whether it brings back that Summer Moon taste.
Keep in a clean, tightly closed jar in the fridge for up to maximum 3 days.
Can I Make Moon Milk At Home? Sure!
We may never know Summer Moon’s exact Moon Milk recipe, but you can definitely create a delicious copycat version at home. The vanilla ice cream base theory seems most promising based on community feedback and the creamer’s characteristics.
If you have a Summer Moon location nearby, definitely try the original and consider purchasing some to take home. But if you’re not in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, or Wisconsin, this homemade version should satisfy your Moon Milk cravings!
Have you tried making Moon Milk at home? Share your variations and pairing suggestions – every coffee lover’s input helps us get closer to cracking this delicious mystery!
From past experience of another local-closed now- coffee house in Austin, I 💯 can taste the similarities of sugar in the raw that has been caramelized before added to the drink-which at Strange Brew was their signature drink and came iced but you can get hot. The texture is different but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one of the 7. Especially considering it has 4grams of sugar!
hello thank you for the recipe. I noticed the ingredient list notes 1/2 c milk and the directions note 3/4 cups . Can you please confirm which is correct. THANK YOU!
Oh my goodness, apologies! It should be 1/2! Start with that amount, and add more milk if you find it too thick for your liking.