A misutgaru latte is one of the easiest Korean café drinks to make at home: roasted multigrain powder shaken with milk until it turns creamy, nutty and lightly toasty. Korean cafés sell it as a "grain latte," but all you really need is a bag of misutgaru (also spelled misugaru) and a jar with a lid. Here is a basic misugaru recipe, a few variations, and the powders we carry.
What is misutgaru?
Misutgaru (미숫가루) is a powder made from grains and beans that are steamed or roasted and then finely ground — typically rice, barley, soybeans and other grains. Koreans have long stirred it into cold water or milk as a quick misutgaru drink, especially in summer. Because the grains are already roasted, the powder dissolves without cooking; it just needs good mixing.
Ingredients for one misutgaru latte
- 3–5 Tbsp misutgaru (about 30g)
- 1 cup (200 ml) cold milk or plant milk
- 1–2 tsp honey, sugar or syrup, to taste
- Ice
- Optional: a shot of espresso, a pinch of salt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Tips for a smooth grain latte
- Shake, don't stir. A jar or shaker breaks up lumps far better than a spoon.
- Make a paste first. If stirring, mix the powder with 2–3 Tbsp of milk into a smooth paste, then add the rest.
- Sweeten before the ice. Honey and sugar dissolve better before the drink gets cold.
- Let it sit a minute. The drink thickens as the powder absorbs the milk; add a splash more milk if you like it thinner.
Misutgaru powders at Premium K
[Durewon] 10-Grain Misutgaru (500g)
A ten-grain blend with every grain from Korea: brown rice, glutinous rice, barley, soybeans, corn, Job's tears, black soybeans, sorghum, black rice and black barley. The package suggests 3–5 spoons (about 30g) in 200 ml of water or milk, stirred well. See Durewon 10-Grain Misutgaru.
[Nongshim] Black Grain Misutgaru (900g)
A darker, nutty blend with black rice, black beans and black sesame along with rice, soybean, corn, whole wheat, sorghum, millet, adlay, peanut and more. It gives a latte a deeper roasted color. Contains soybean, black sesame, peanut and whole wheat. See Nongshim Black Grain Misutgaru.
How to make a misutgaru latte
- Put 3–5 Tbsp misutgaru and your sweetener in a jar.
- Add about ¼ of the milk, close the lid and shake until no dry powder is left.
- Add the rest of the milk and shake again for 10–15 seconds.
- Pour over ice and serve right away. Stir before each sip, since the powder settles.
Variations:
- Misutgaru coffee latte: pour a shot of espresso over the finished drink for a layered look.
- Misutgaru shake: blend the drink with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Hot grain latte: whisk the powder into warm (not boiling) milk.
- With black soybean milk: use unsweetened soy milk instead of dairy for a nuttier cup.
Which powder should I pick? For a light beige café-style grain latte with a classic roasted rice and barley taste, start with the 10-grain blend. If you like a darker cup with black sesame notes, or you make misutgaru drinks for the whole family every morning, the larger black grain bag goes further. You can also mix the two half and half for a color and flavor in between.
More Korean pantry ideas: Korean Grocery in Koreatown Los Angeles: Premium K Store Guide
Where to buy misutgaru in the U.S.
Both powders are on our shelves at the LA Koreatown store — 3506 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–6:30 PM). Online:
- LA Koreatown: free same-day delivery on orders of $49 or more
- California: free shipping on orders of $99 or more
- Mainland U.S.: free shipping on orders of $149 or more
- Misutgaru is shelf-stable and ships right after you order.
FAQ
Is misutgaru the same as misugaru?
Yes. Misutgaru and misugaru are two English spellings of the same Korean word, 미숫가루, for roasted multigrain powder.
How much misutgaru do I use for one drink?
Start with 3–5 tablespoons (about 30g) per cup of milk or water, then adjust to taste.
Can I make a misutgaru latte with water?
Yes. The traditional misutgaru drink is often made with cold water and a little honey or sugar. Milk makes it creamier, more like a café grain latte.
How do I store misutgaru after opening?
Keep it away from sunlight and humidity, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate after opening, as the Durewon package recommends.