Note: This page contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
Okay, so you’ve seen it all over your feed – that gorgeous, pastel-purple drink that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Yep, we’re talking about the Taro Latte. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping one, let me tell you: you are in for a treat. A taro latte isn’t just a pretty face – it’s creamy, cozy, slightly nutty, and subtly sweet, with this almost cookie-like flavor that makes you go ’wait… why is this so good?’ every time.
Taro (pronounced TAH-row) is a root vegetable that’s been a staple in many Asian and Polynesian cuisines for centuries. It’s kinda like the potato’s cooler, purple cousin. But when you grind it into a powder or cook it down into a paste, add milk (dairy or non-dairy, you do you), a bit of sweetener, and blend it all up? Boom. You’ve got a taro latte – a creamy, dreamy hug in a mug.
Let’s get into how you can make this at home and become the hero of your own kitchen café.
Whether you’re going for a hot, soothing version or an iced pick-me-up, the base ingredients are mostly the same. Here’s what you need:
➤ Taro powder is the easiest to use and can usually be found at Asian grocery stores or online. It’s often slightly sweetened already.
➤ Alternatively, make your own taro paste using steamed taro root (more on that later!).
➤ Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or regular whole milk all work beautifully – pick what fits your vibe.
➤ Honey, maple syrup, sugar, condensed milk, or brown sugar syrup – totally up to your personal taste and sweetness preference.
➤ A tiny splash adds warmth and rounds out the flavor like a cozy blanket.
➤ Crushed or cubed – if you’re feeling fancy, try clear ice for that café aesthetic!
Time to channel your inner barista! Here’s how to whip up both hot and iced versions of this dreamy drink.
➤ In a small saucepan, warm up 1 to 1.5 cups of milk until it’s steaming but not boiling.
➤ Add 2-3 tablespoons of taro powder (adjust depending on how strong and sweet it is). Whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
➤ Add a bit of honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener if desired.
➤ Just 1/4 teaspoon goes a long way.
➤ Bonus points for topping with a dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
➤ Stir 2-3 tablespoons of taro powder into about 1/4 cup of hot milk or water to dissolve.
➤ Let the mixture come to room temp (or stick it in the fridge for a few minutes).
➤ Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your taro base, and top it off with cold milk.
➤ Use a clear glass so you can admire that iconic purple swirl as you mix!
➤ Steam for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
➤ Add steamed taro, milk, and sweetener into a blender. Puree until smooth.
➤ Add 2-3 tablespoons of paste per drink. Mix with warm milk or dissolve in hot water first for iced versions.
Alright, if you really want to elevate your taro latte game – here’s how the pros (and perfectionists like us) do it:
Feeling a little adventurous? Here’s how you can remix your taro latte into a next-level creation:
➤ Use coconut milk or add a splash of coconut cream for a tropical twist.
➤ Layer matcha on top for a green-and-purple marble effect and a light caffeine boost.
➤ Infuse your milk with a chai spice blend or a chai tea bag for a spicy, aromatic version.
➤ Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a shot of espresso to blend the sweet taro with rich chocolate or coffee notes.
➤ Blend taro paste or powder with ice, banana, and milk for a thick smoothie-style drink.
Making taro lattes at home is not only easy – it’s also insanely satisfying. You get to control everything: sweetness, richness, temperature, and even how cute your drink looks (hello pastel purple aesthetic ). Whether you’re crafting one as a self-care moment or serving them up at a brunch with friends, taro lattes always bring joy.
And once you make it once? You’re gonna want it all the time. Seriously, it’s addictive in the best possible way.
A taro latte is a delicious, creamy beverage made by blending taro root powder with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) and sweetener. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a distinct purple color, often served either hot or iced.
To make a basic taro latte, combine 1-2 tablespoons of taro powder with 1 cup of milk or a non-dairy substitute. Heat the milk and taro powder mixture until smooth, then add sweetener (like sugar or honey) to taste. Stir well and serve hot or iced.
Yes, you can use fresh taro root. Peel, steam or boil the taro, mash it into a smooth puree, and then blend it with milk and sweetener. However, taro powder is more convenient and readily available.
Traditional taro lattes are sweetened, typically with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners. The level of sweetness can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Yes! To make a vegan taro latte, simply use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and choose a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Taro latte has a subtle, nutty, and mildly sweet flavor. The taro root itself is not very strong in taste, but it adds a creamy texture and earthy richness to the drink.
Whole milk gives the richest and creamiest texture, but any milk alternative like oat, soy, or almond milk works well too. The choice of milk affects the creaminess and flavor of the final drink.
Yes, you can make an iced taro latte. Prepare the taro mixture as you would for a hot latte, then pour it over ice and stir. You can also add cold milk or ice cubes to chill it further.
Typically, 1-2 tablespoons of taro powder per 1 cup of milk is a good ratio. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of flavor and creaminess.
Taro powder can be found in most Asian grocery stores, specialty tea shops, or online retailers. Some larger supermarkets may carry it in the international or health food section.