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Hot Soy Milk Drinks for Winter: 5 Cosy Recipes

SOYCLUB Editorial · · 5 min read

Quick answer

The key to hot soy drinks is heating gently to 60–65°C without boiling. Five winter favourites: cinnamon soy latte, ginger soy milk, hot cocoa soy, black sesame soy and hot matcha soy.

Key points

  • Heat low, stir, 60–65°C
  • Ginger soy: 250ml soy milk + about 5ml ginger juice + brown sugar
  • Hot cocoa: make a paste with hot water before adding soy milk
A hot soy latte dusted with cinnamon on a winter table with pine cones and apples
Photo: Unsplash

When it gets cold, nothing beats a warm mug. Soy milk heats beautifully, and with coffee, ginger, cocoa or black sesame it becomes a cosy winter drink. All five recipes take 5–10 minutes.

First: 3 tips for heating soy milk

  • Low and slow: heat on low, stirring, to about 60–65°C, when small bubbles form at the edge.
  • Don't boil: boiling causes boil-overs and skin, and makes curdling in coffee more likely.
  • Microwave in a cup: use a heatproof cup and stir every 30 seconds; never microwave the carton.

1. Cinnamon soy latte

Espresso 30–40mlSoy milk 200ml (60–65°C)A pinch of cinnamon

Pour the coffee into the cup, add the hot soy milk and dust with cinnamon. Add 5ml of maple syrup for extra sweetness. See how to make a soy latte for ratios.

A hot latte dusted with cinnamon in a glass mug
Cinnamon and soy are a natural match · Photo: Unsplash

2. Ginger soy milk

Soy milk 250mlGinger juice about 5ml (1 tsp)Brown sugar 1–2 tsp
  1. Grate fresh ginger and press out the juice with a cloth or spoon.
  2. Warm the soy milk until it steams and stir in the brown sugar.
  3. Stir in the ginger juice. It's spicy, so start with half the first time.
A hot drink with fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks on a board
Freshly grated ginger gives the best aroma · Photo: Unsplash

3. Hot cocoa soy

Unsweetened cocoa 1 tbspHot water 20mlSoy milk 200mlSugar or honey to taste

Mix the cocoa with a little hot water into a thick paste, then slowly stir in the hot soy milk so there are no lumps. Top with marshmallows or a dusting of cocoa.

Hot cocoa being poured into a white mug
Make a cocoa paste first for a smoother drink · Photo: Unsplash

4. Hot black sesame soy

Black sesame powder 1–2 tbspSoy milk 250mlSugar or honey to taste

Heat the soy milk and stir in the black sesame powder for a rich, nutty drink, lovely at breakfast or before bed.

5. Hot matcha soy

Matcha 2g + hot water 30mlSoy milk 200ml (60–65°C)

Whisk the matcha with 70–80°C water, then add the hot soy milk, or froth the soy milk and spoon the foam on top. See matcha soy milk for whisking tips.

Winter specials for cafés

Each of these is just a base plus hot soy milk, perfect as winter specials for cafés and tea shops. For frothing temperatures see how to froth soy milk, and for partnerships see for partners.

Which soy milk?

Heating brings out the soy flavour, so a rich soy milk matters. SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk is made from Italian soybeans with 12g of protein per serving, all natural and with no additives, great hot or cold.

FAQ

What is the best way to heat soy milk?

Heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring, to about 60–65°C, when small bubbles form at the edge. In a microwave, use a heatproof container and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Why does soy milk form a skin when heated?

Proteins on the surface set into a thin film as soy milk heats. Gentle heat, constant stirring and not boiling all reduce the skin.

Can I add coffee to hot soy milk?

Yes. For a hot soy latte, use 30–40ml of espresso with 200ml of soy milk at 60–65°C. Pour the coffee first, then the soy milk, to reduce curdling.

How do I make ginger soy milk?

Heat 250ml of soy milk and stir in about 5ml (1 tsp) of fresh ginger juice and a little brown sugar. Ginger is strong, so start with less.