As primary school kids, the one thing we probably used to look forward to most during school sports meets and events was the Milo truck.

There was just something about the velvety and deliciously cold malty drink that we couldn't quite replicate at home.

Till now, it seems.

Malaysian website Siakap Keli posted an account from Facebook user Syahrin Yen Zaini about how Milo from Milo trucks are made.

According to a translation by World of Buzz, he wrote that the recipe was simply based on his observation of a Milo employee, and that "you can change the recipe according to your preferences". He also joked that he was not getting a commission from Milo.

Here are the ingredients he listed:

• 8 tins of condensed milk
• 8 tins of creamer
• 4 litres of hot water
• 4 1kg packets of Milo

One ingredient that stood out to us: creamer. No wonder our home-made Milos never tasted as thick or creamy. But was it the secret ingredient we've been looking for?

And here are the steps Syahrin observed in making the Milo — basically how we'd make it at home, anyway:

• Put the condensed milk and creamer into the pot
• Chuck in the Milo powder
• Pour in hot water and mix well
• Pour the mixture over a container of ice

Of course, the recipe above was used for a huge vat, but we didn't need much persuasion to try it out for ourselves with scaled-down proportions.

After some trial and error, I found this combination yielded a smooth-tasting Milo siew dai with that familiar velvety texture.

• 2 teaspoons of condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons of creamer (I used evaporated milk)
• 2 heaping tablespoons of Milo powder
• 3/4 cup of water, topped with ice 

For those who prefer their Milo more gao, I'd up each component by a teaspoon and tablespoon depending, but it's best to try it out for yourself to find a combination that works for you. 

VERDICT

The addition of evaporated milk actually did impart a nice silky texture to our regular Milo peng, and could really be the special ingredient we've been chasing after. Now, why didn't I think of that before?

Although truth be told, it still doesn't completely match up to what I remember of the goodness from the Milo vans. Or perhaps my impression of the drink is coloured by the nostalgia of childhood.

But this version comes a close second and it's something I'll be recreating at home now.

ALSO READ: Malaysian couple chase down Milo truck for pregnant daughter-in-law

candicecai@asiaone.com

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