What Do You Mix Horlicks With for the Best Results?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Horlicks has been a beloved malted drink for nearly 150 years, celebrated for its comforting flavour and nutritional value. For a delicious and satisfying beverage, many wonder, what do you mix Horlicks with? While milk is the most traditional and recommended option, there are several creative alternatives to explore.

Quick Summary

Horlicks can be mixed with hot or cold milk for a classic comforting drink or a refreshing summer treat. It can also be prepared with water or non-dairy alternatives, and enhanced with other flavours like chocolate, spices, and sweeteners for added taste.

Key Points

Classic Mixes: Horlicks is most commonly and effectively mixed with hot or cold milk for a traditional and creamy beverage.
Water as an Alternative: For a quicker, lighter, or dairy-free option, especially with instant varieties, Horlicks can be mixed with water.
Creative Recipes: Incorporate Horlicks into recipes like hot chocolate, protein shakes, or baked goods by adding ingredients like spices, chocolate, and peanut butter.
Dissolution Techniques: For a smooth consistency, make a paste with a small amount of hot liquid before adding the rest, or use a blender for cold preparations.
Customization: Adjust the sweetness with honey or condensed milk, or use non-dairy milks like almond or soy to suit your dietary preferences.
Versatile Use: Horlicks is not just for drinks; its malty flavour makes it a unique addition to various culinary creations.

The Classic Choices: Milk and Water

The most common and effective way to enjoy Horlicks is by mixing it with a liquid. The two most popular choices are milk and water, each offering a distinct experience based on temperature and preparation.

How to Prepare Horlicks with Hot Milk

For a smooth and creamy texture, hot milk is the preferred method for many. The warmth helps the malted powder dissolve completely, resulting in a rich, comforting beverage perfect for chilly evenings or a pre-bedtime routine. Add 3-4 teaspoons (25g) of Horlicks powder to a mug, heat 200ml of milk, then pour a small amount into the mug to create a smooth paste before adding the rest and stirring well.

How to Prepare Horlicks with Cold Milk

For a refreshing alternative, Horlicks can be mixed with cold milk, creating a frothy, malty milkshake ideal for a hot day. Add 3-4 teaspoons (25g) of Horlicks powder to a blender or shaker with 200ml of cold milk and blend until smooth and frothy. Serve over ice for an extra chilled treat.

Mixing Horlicks with Water

Some Horlicks variants, particularly instant formulas, can be mixed with water for a quicker, lighter option, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. For hot preparation, add 4-5 teaspoons (32g) of Horlicks Instant to a mug with 200ml of hot water and stir well. For a cold version, blend with chilled water and ice.

Creative Horlicks Recipes and Mix-ins

Horlicks can be enhanced with various additions for unique drinks and treats.

Non-Dairy Alternatives

Horlicks pairs well with plant-based milks like almond or soy for those avoiding dairy. Stir or blend thoroughly for the best result.

Flavorful Add-ins

Chocolate: Combine with cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate for a rich hot chocolate.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or red chilli flakes for a warming flavour.
Peanut Butter: Blend with peanut butter for extra protein and a nutty taste.
Sweeteners: Customize sweetness with honey, jaggery powder, or condensed milk.

Advanced Horlicks Creations

Protein Smoothie: Blend Horlicks Protein Plus with yoghurt, fruit, and chia seeds.
Horlicks Iced Latte: Mix dissolved Horlicks with hot water, milk, espresso, and ice.
Baking Ingredient: Add Horlicks powder to cakes or peanut butter cups for a malty flavour.

Comparison Table: How to Mix Horlicks


Feature	Hot Milk	Cold Milk	Water	Non-Dairy Milk	Creative Mix-ins
Dissolution	Excellent, dissolves easily to a smooth paste.	Requires blending or shaking to dissolve completely.	Good, especially with instant variants and hot water.	Good, but can vary by milk type; blending helps.	Variable, depends on the mix-in (e.g., melts chocolate, blends peanut butter).
Texture	Rich, creamy, and comforting.	Frothy and milkshake-like.	Lighter and less creamy than milk.	Can be creamy or thin depending on the milk type.	Enhanced texture (e.g., thicker with peanut butter, smoother with melted chocolate).
Taste Profile	Classic, malty, and warm.	Refreshing and malty.	Pure malty flavour, less creamy.	Varies by milk type (e.g., nutty, soy).	Adds complex flavors (e.g., chocolate, spice).
Best For	Relaxation, evening drink.	Summer refreshment, dessert.	Quick preparation, lactose intolerance.	Dietary restrictions, flavor variation.	Customization, unique recipes.

Conclusion

While Horlicks with hot milk is a classic comfort, its versatility allows for many ways to enjoy this nutritious drink. From a cold shake to creative baked goods, the options are plentiful. Experimenting with different mix-ins and liquids lets you tailor your Horlicks experience to your taste and needs. Ultimately, how you mix Horlicks depends on your desired flavour, texture, and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can absolutely mix Horlicks with cold milk. For the best result, it is recommended to use a blender or shaker to ensure the powder dissolves completely, creating a smooth and frothy malted milkshake.

Mixing Horlicks with water is an option, especially with Instant varieties. However, the result will be less creamy and rich compared to mixing with milk. Some variants are formulated specifically to work well with water.

You can add various ingredients to enhance the flavour of Horlicks. Popular options include cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty boost.

Yes, Horlicks can be mixed with many non-dairy milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The texture and flavour will vary depending on the type of milk, so experiment to find your preferred combination.

Many Horlicks products already contain sugar, so you may not need to add more. However, for a sweeter taste, you can add a little sugar, honey, or condensed milk according to your preference.

The 'best' way to make Horlicks depends on personal preference. For a classic, comforting drink, hot milk is ideal. For a refreshing, frothy treat, cold milk mixed in a blender is best.

Horlicks powder generally dissolves more easily and completely in hot milk, resulting in a smoother, richer texture. When using cold milk, a blender or shaker is necessary to prevent lumps.