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Ube Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Latte Recipes

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Alright, let’s talk about something truly magical: Ube Latte. If you haven’t stumbled upon this gem yet, ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines, celebrated for its stunning violet hue and naturally sweet, nutty flavor. Imagine that flavor, rich and creamy, perfectly combined with the velvety texture of a latte – coffee or not, it’s a drink that brings warmth, comfort, and a bit of whimsy to your cup.

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Ube has been a staple in Filipino desserts for centuries, but the ube latte is a modern twist, mixing tradition with contemporary coffee culture.
It’s like your favorite latte got a beautiful purple makeover and a tropical vacation in its flavor profile.
This drink isn’t just for looks – it’s packed with subtle sweetness and that earthy, slightly vanilla-esque taste of ube that’s so distinctive.
Plus, it’s Instagram gold – those vibrant purples? Gorgeous for your morning stories.

Whether you’re craving a caffeine hit, or just want a soothing, naturally sweet drink to brighten your day, the Ube Latte checks all those boxes and then some.

Ingredients For Ube Latte Recipe

Now, before we dive into the making, here’s your shopping list. Getting the right ingredients is half the fun and key to capturing that authentic ube flavor:

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Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): This is the star ingredient. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with that signature ube flavor. You can buy it ready-made in jars or make your own from frozen ube.
Milk (or milk alternative): Whole milk works best for creaminess, but oat, almond, or coconut milk add exciting layers of flavor and keep it dairy-free.
Espresso or strong brewed coffee: For the latte’s coffee base. If you want it caffeine-free, you can skip this or substitute with a robust black tea or even just hot milk.
Sugar or sweetener: Optional, depending on how sweet your ube halaya is. Brown sugar or coconut sugar adds a nice depth.
Vanilla extract: A tiny splash amps up the flavor, blending beautifully with the ube’s natural sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Sounds weird, but just a little enhances all the flavors – a classic culinary trick.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, purple yam powder, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for that extra oomph.

How To Make Ube Latte?

Alright, now to the fun part: making your very own luscious Ube Latte right at home. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

Prepare The Ube Base
- If you’re using store-bought ube halaya, scoop about 2 tablespoons into a small saucepan.
- Add a splash of milk (about ¼ cup) to loosen it up.
- Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Make The Espresso
- Brew a shot of espresso or a strong cup of coffee.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, no worries! Use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
Heat And Froth The Milk
- Warm about ¾ cup of your milk choice.
- Froth it using a milk frother, French press, or by shaking vigorously in a sealed jar.
- If you want that café-style creamy foam, this step is crucial!
Combine It All
- Pour the warm ube mixture into your favorite mug.
- Add the espresso shot or coffee.
- Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Sweeten to taste with sugar or your preferred sweetener.
- Gently pour the frothed milk on top, letting it swirl and mix naturally.
Add The Finishing Touches
- Top with whipped cream, a dusting of purple yam powder, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the visual and flavorful delight!

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Expert Tips

Here’s where we get a bit fancy but also keep it real, to make sure your Ube Latte turns out chef-level amazing every time:

Ube Halaya consistency: If your ube halaya is too thick, don’t be afraid to add a bit more milk to get that smooth latte texture.
Balancing sweetness: Ube halaya is already sweet, so taste before adding sugar. You want a balance that complements the coffee bitterness without overwhelming it.
Frothing hacks: If you don’t have a frother, heat your milk until steaming, then whisk vigorously with a fork or shake in a jar for about 30 seconds for decent foam.
Temperature matters: Don’t overheat your milk or ube mixture – too hot and you risk losing the creamy texture and nuanced flavors.
Espresso alternative: If you want a caffeine-free version, try steeping purple tea or use matcha for a different twist while keeping that vibrant color.
Make it ahead: Prepare your ube base in bulk and refrigerate. When you want a latte, just warm and mix – perfect for busy mornings!

Recipe Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Vegan Ube Latte: Use coconut or oat milk, and make sure your ube halaya is dairy-free (many are naturally vegan).
Iced Ube Latte: Perfect for hot days! Prepare the ube mixture, cool it, then combine with cold milk and iced coffee. Shake well and pour over ice.
Ube Mocha: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the ube latte for a purple-chocolate coffee delight.
Spiced Ube Latte: Throw in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
Ube Matcha Latte: Blend ube halaya with matcha powder and milk for a bright, earthy fusion drink.

Final Words

Making an Ube Latte is like bringing a little piece of Filipino culture, color, and sweetness right into your kitchen. It’s not just a drink; it’s a cozy, comforting ritual that wakes up your senses and makes your coffee break a mini celebration. The process is simple enough for everyday, but special enough to impress friends or treat yourself on a lazy weekend.

Remember, the key to nailing this recipe is fresh, quality ube halaya and the perfect balance of flavors. Don’t rush it, play around with the sweetness and milk type, and soon you’ll find your perfect blend.

FAQs

What Is An Ube Latte?

An ube latte is a coffee drink made with a combination of steamed milk, espresso, and ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine. The ube is often blended into a syrup or paste to give the drink its signature sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant purple color.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make An Ube Latte?

To make an ube latte, you’ll need the following ingredients: brewed espresso or strong coffee, ube paste or ube syrup, steamed milk (dairy or plant-based), and ice (optional for an iced version). You can also add sweeteners like sugar or honey to taste.

Can I Use Ube Powder Instead Of Ube Paste For An Ube Latte?

Yes, you can use ube powder as an alternative to ube paste or syrup. However, you’ll need to mix the powder with a small amount of warm water to create a paste before adding it to your latte. This helps the powder dissolve evenly and avoids a grainy texture.

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How Do I Make Ube Syrup For An Ube Latte?

To make ube syrup, combine ube puree, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens to a syrup-like consistency. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Can I Use Plant-based Milk For My Ube Latte?

Yes, plant-based milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used for an ube latte. These alternatives pair well with the ube flavor and create a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.

What Is The Best Type Of Coffee To Use In An Ube Latte?

The best type of coffee for an ube latte is espresso, as its strong, bold flavor complements the sweet and earthy taste of ube. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute.

How Can I Make My Ube Latte Sweeter?

To make your ube latte sweeter, you can adjust the amount of ube syrup or paste to your liking. You can also add additional sweeteners like sugar, honey, or flavored syrups (e.g., vanilla or caramel) depending on your taste preference.

Is Ube Latte A Seasonal Drink?

Although ube lattes are often enjoyed during fall and winter due to their warm, comforting nature, they can be enjoyed year-round. The ube flavor is rich and versatile, making it a popular choice for coffee shops and home baristas alike throughout all seasons.

How Do I Make An Iced Ube Latte?

To make an iced ube latte, simply brew your espresso or strong coffee and let it cool. In a glass, combine the cooled coffee, ube paste or syrup, and ice. Pour over chilled or cold oat milk (or your milk of choice) and stir to combine. You can also top it with whipped cream for extra richness.

Where Can I Buy Ube Paste Or Syrup For My Ube Latte?

Ube paste or syrup can typically be found in Filipino or Asian grocery stores, often in the baking or canned goods section. You can also find it online from retailers like Amazon or specialty food stores that carry international ingredients.