Ube Latte Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, creamy coffee experience that’s a little different from your usual cup of joe, this Ube Latte is an absolute showstopper. The naturally sweet and nutty flavor of ube marries perfectly with rich Vietnamese coffee, layered with luscious cream and a hint of coconut to create a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving a refreshing pick-me-up or an eye-catching treat to impress friends, the Ube Latte delivers on every level with its stunning purple hue and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ube Latte may look fancy, but it relies on just a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the drink. From the bold, robust Vietnamese coffee to the creamy condensed milk and the subtle sweetness of ube extract, each component plays a crucial role in crafting a luscious and balanced latte experience.
- Vietnamese coffee or espresso: The backbone of the latte with a rich, intense coffee flavor.
- Condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture without needing extra sugar.
- Milk of choice: Balances the bold coffee with smoothness; whole milk or any plant-based milk works wonderfully.
- Ice: Perfect for chilling the latte and making it refreshingly cool.
- Heavy cream: For that thick, luscious foam topping that makes every sip luxurious.
- Coconut milk: Adds a subtle tropical note and lighter texture to the foam.
- Sugar: A bit of sweetness to enhance the flavors without overpowering.
- Ube extract: The star ingredient responsible for that distinct purple color and sweet, earthy flavor.
How to Make Ube Latte
Step 1: Brew the Coffee Base
Start by combining your Vietnamese coffee or espresso with the condensed milk and your chosen milk in a serving glass. This mixture creates the bold and creamy foundation for your Ube Latte. If you like your coffee creamier, feel free to add a bit more milk. Give everything a good stir to blend those rich flavors, then toss in some ice to chill the drink and mellow out the intensity just a touch.
Step 2: Prepare the Ube Cold Foam
Next up is the beautiful ube cold foam. In a small container with a pouring spout, mix together the heavy cream, coconut milk, ube extract, and sugar. Use a handheld milk frother to whip this mixture until it forms soft, fluffy peaks — just like a lightly whipped cream. This foam is what adds the signature purple hue and dreamy texture that makes the Ube Latte truly special.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Finally, slowly pour or spoon the ube cold foam on top of your iced coffee base. The layers should remain distinct for a stunning visual effect, but feel free to mix it up if you prefer your flavors combined. Then, sit back and enjoy that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and earthy goodness that only an Ube Latte can deliver.
How to Serve Ube Latte
Garnishes
While the Ube Latte is delightful all on its own, a few garnish ideas can enhance its appearance and flavor. A light dusting of toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of finely crushed purple yam chips adds a bit of texture and a subtle nutty aroma. For a special occasion, a small drizzle of coconut syrup or a few edible flower petals on the foam layer can elevate the latte into a visual masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This creamy treat pairs beautifully with light, complementary snacks. Think sweet Filipino pastries like pandesal or barquillos for a crunchy contrast, or fresh tropical fruits such as mango slices or pineapple chunks to echo the subtle coconut flavors. A buttery almond cookie or a piece of dark chocolate can also balance the latte’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, try serving your Ube Latte in clear glasses to showcase those beautiful purple and coffee layers. Adding a colorful straw or a stylish spoon invitingly poking out of the foam adds charm. You can also experiment by layering the foam with additional whipped cream or swirling in a bit of ube jam for extra richness and an artistic twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover iced Ube Latte, it’s best kept covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours to maintain freshness and flavor. Stir well before serving again, as the ingredients may separate after sitting.
Freezing
Freezing a prepared Ube Latte isn’t recommended, as the texture of the foam and milk changes when thawed. However, you can freeze ube extract or condensed milk separately for later use in fresh batches.
Reheating
Since this is an iced beverage with cold foam, reheating isn’t ideal. If you want a warm version, create the milk and coffee base warm, but prepare the ube foam fresh and add it chilled on top just before serving for best results.
FAQs
What is ube extract, and where can I find it?
Ube extract is a concentrated flavoring made from purple yam, commonly used in Filipino desserts. It gives the Ube Latte its characteristic color and sweet, earthy taste. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online specialty food shops.
Can I make this Ube Latte vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the condensed milk for a vegan alternative like coconut condensed milk, use plant-based milk of your choice, and replace heavy cream with a full-fat coconut cream to keep that rich foam texture.
Is Vietnamese coffee essential, or can I use regular coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is preferred for its strong and bold flavor which complements the sweet ube. However, a strong espresso or dark roast coffee can also work well if you want a slightly different taste profile.
How sweet is the Ube Latte? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The Ube Latte is moderately sweet thanks to the condensed milk and sugar in the foam, but you can easily adjust the sweetness by varying these amounts to suit your preference.
Can I make the ube cold foam without a milk frother?
Yes! You can whisk the heavy cream, coconut milk, ube extract, and sugar vigorously by hand or with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. While a frother is convenient, it’s not absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sipping on a homemade Ube Latte — that delightful pop of purple, the creamy layers, and the unique flavors transporting you to a tropical paradise in every sip. Whether it becomes your morning ritual or an occasional indulgence, this recipe is sure to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you.
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Ube Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and creamy Ube Latte combining the rich flavors of Vietnamese coffee with the sweet, nutty taste of ube. This refreshing iced beverage is topped with a luscious ube-infused cold foam, perfect for a delightful pick-me-up at any time of the day.
Ingredients
For the Iced Coffee
- 1/2 cup Vietnamese coffee (or 2 shots of espresso)
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (plus optional extra 1/4 cup for creaminess)
- Ice, as desired
For the Ube Cold Foam
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ube extract
Instructions
- Make the iced coffee. In a serving glass, combine the Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of milk. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are mixed well. If you prefer a creamier latte, add an additional 1/4 cup of milk. Add ice to chill the drink, keeping in mind that ice will dilute the coffee strength as it melts.
- Prepare the ube cold foam. In a measuring cup with a spout, pour in the heavy cream, coconut milk, sugar, and ube extract. Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it develops a softly whipped, airy consistency, resembling a light foam.
- Serve the latte. Gently pour or spoon the ube cold foam over the iced coffee. Optionally stir lightly to blend the foam and coffee. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful ube latte experience.
Notes
- Vietnamese coffee can be substituted with strong brewed espresso or other dark coffee concentrates.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or other plant-based milk instead of heavy cream and regular milk.
- Adjust the sugar amount in the foam according to your desired sweetness.
- Adding ice will dilute the coffee flavor; for a stronger taste, serve without ice or add ice just before drinking.
- Ube extract provides the characteristic purple color and flavor; ensure quality extract for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-cook, frothing
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Ube latte, iced ube coffee, Vietnamese coffee latte, ube cold foam, iced coffee recipe
