Want something sweet and dreamy with a kick of caffeine? Then, try this yummy ube latte recipe.
It’s super pretty, deliciously creamy, and wonderfully unique.
What Is Ube?
Ube is a type of purple yam that’s very popular in the Philippines. It’s a lot like sweet potato, only the flavor is slightly nutty with a hint of vanilla and sometimes even coconut.
It’s very popular in desserts because of its sweet flavor and and vibrant color.
But thanks to ube extract, it’s also excellent in drinks!
Easy Ube Latte
This recipe makes such a tasty and rich ube latte. And you can make it with ice or steaming hot, depending on your preferences.
I think it’s super yummy iced. But it’s great as a coffee alternative in the winter.
You’ll need ube extract, which you can get online easily.
And if you make lattes a lot, I highly recommend getting a mini milk frother! You can easily find them in most stores and places like Ikea.
Though this milk frother actually warms the milk for you, and it’s my newest obsession! Plus, it doesn’t take up a lot of room, which is great.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious purple latte:
- Ube Extract - as the name suggests, this is the key to the color and flavor
- Milk - I think this is best with skim milk because the condensed milk is so thick and creamy. Feel free to use coconut, almond, or soy milk
- Espresso - I prefer freshly brewed but you can use instant coffee if you prefer it
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - this is the key to the sweetness and luxurious texture. Use a vegan version if you need it dairy-free
How to Make an Ube Latte
There are a couple of ways you can make this recipe and there are plenty of ways to jazz it up.
First, you can make it over ice:
- Pour the ube extract into a tall glass.
- Add the condensed milk and give it a quick stir.
- Add ice.
- Pour the milk, followed by the espresso, over the iced mixture.
- Stir and enjoy.
Second, make it hot:
- Mix the ube extract, milk, and condensed milk in a microwave-safe mug.
- Stir to combine, then pour the espresso over the top
Ube Latte Variations and Extras
As it is, this recipe is sweet, nutty, earthy, and vibrant. But there are a ton of ways you can tweak it to make it your own:
- Use horchata instead of milk for something extra nutty
- Mix the ube extract with the condensed milk and add some matcha powder to the regular milk for something extra special
- Use simple syrup and half & half instead of condensed milk if you want it a smidge healthier
- Add whipped cream for serving
- Make it bubble tea with tapioca pearls
Ube Latte Tips
- If you’ve never tried ube before, start out with half the amount. Taste the drink, then add more as needed. A little goes a long way, so don’t add too much to start in case you don’t love it.
- Use cold milk for iced drinks. That way, you don’t need as much ice.
- Add more milk if you like the coffee to taste more mild. Add about 1/4 cup extra and see how you like it.
- Use cold brew for a super smooth drink. Just make sure it’s nice and strong to balance with the milk and ube.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in an ube coffee latte?
This recipe contains about 95 calories per drink. Of course, that amount will change if you use a different type of milk or add sugar for sweetness.
How to make a purple Haze latte?
Although it’s purple, the Purple Haze latte isn’t the same as this Ube Latte recipe.
Some Purple Haze lattes feature sweet vanilla and dreamy lavender under smooth, creamy coffee.
Others include blackberry or blueberry. And some are tea lattes with Blueberry Hibiscus Rooibos Tea and lavender syrup.
I prefer coffee, so my recipe includes a shot of espresso with plenty of steamed milk and vanilla and lavender syrups.
Can I make this ube latte vegan?
Yes! Just use your choice of dairy free milk and vegan condensed milk.
Can I use instant coffee?
Absolutly. Find a brand you like and dissolve 1 tablespoon of coffee granules into 2 oz of hot water per serving (2 shots).
What if I don’t have a milk frother?
To make frothy milk without a frother, just pour the cold milk into a jar and seal the lid. Then, shake it vigoroulsy for 20-30 seconds. Easy peasy!
Easy Ube Latte
Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons of Ube Extract
- 120 ml of Milk (1/2 cup)
- 120 ml of Espresso (4 shots)
- 2 tablespoons of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Ice (optional)
Method:
- Pour the milk, ube extract, and condensed milk into a large glass or measuring jug.
- Use a milk frother to combine, or stir well with a fork or small whisk.
- If making an iced latte, fill 2 glasses with ice.
- If making a hot latte, microwave the milk mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir well and heat in 10-second intervals until your desired temperature.
- Divide the ube milk between 2 glasses or mugs.
- Brew the espresso and divide it over the ube milk.
- Stir gently and enjoy!