Ube Matcha Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Oh, where do I even start with the Ube Matcha Tea Latte? Imagine the enchanting fusion of two beautiful flavors from different worlds-ube, the sweet, purple yam beloved in Filipino desserts, and matcha, the finely ground, vibrant green tea powder hailing from Japan. This drink isn’t just a latte; it’s a journey, a conversation between earthy, slightly grassy matcha notes and the creamy, nutty sweetness of ube.

  • Why ube? It’s naturally colorful (hello, gorgeous purple hue!), slightly sweet, and packed with a comforting, almost vanilla-like flavor.
  • Why matcha? It’s rich in antioxidants, offers a gentle caffeine buzz, and brings a slightly bitter edge that perfectly balances ube’s sweetness.
  • Together? They create a mesmerizing swirl of flavors and colors that look stunning and taste even better.

Whether you’re a tea lover craving a new twist, or someone curious about Asian-inspired drinks, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s super Instagram-worthy! So let’s dive into what you need to make this magical latte at home.

Ingredients For Ube Matcha Tea Latte Recipe

Alright, ingredient time! This recipe keeps it simple but impactful. Here’s your shopping list for a delicious, creamy Ube Matcha Tea Latte that serves about 2:

  • Ube halaya (purple yam jam) – 3 tablespoons

    (This is the sweetened ube paste you can find at Asian markets or make at home. It’s the heart of the flavor.)

  • Matcha powder – 2 teaspoons

    (Go for ceremonial grade if you want that vibrant color and smooth flavor, but culinary grade works too.)

  • Milk – 2 cups

    (Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but oat, almond, or coconut milk are great dairy-free options.)

  • Sweetener – 1-2 tablespoons

    (Simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup. Adjust to taste because ube halaya is already sweet!)

  • Hot water – 2-3 tablespoons

    (To dissolve the matcha properly and bring out its full flavor.)

  • Ice cubes (optional)

    (For iced version lovers!)

  • Vanilla extract (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon

    (For an extra hint of warmth and depth.)

How To Make Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

Here’s where the magic unfolds-let me walk you through the process step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds!

  1. Prepare The Matcha

    • Sift 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl (no lumps, please!).
    • Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water-around 175°F (80°C) is perfect.
    • Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk or a small electric frother until frothy and smooth.
  2. Heat The Milk

    • Pour 2 cups of your chosen milk into a small saucepan.
    • Warm it gently on medium heat-don’t let it boil, just hot enough to steam.
    • If you want, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract here for that lovely aromatic boost.
  3. Mix Ube Halaya And Sweetener

    • In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine 3 tablespoons of ube halaya with your preferred sweetener.
    • Stir until smooth and well blended. This is your creamy purple base.
  4. Combine All

    • Slowly pour the warm milk into the ube mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth, purple latte base.
    • Then, gently fold in the prepared matcha tea. This layering effect gives the latte its stunning swirl of colors.
  5. Serve

    • Pour the latte into your favorite cups or glasses.
    • If you want it iced, just add plenty of ice cubes before serving.
  6. Optional

    • Garnish with a sprinkle of matcha powder or a small dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.
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Expert Tips

Let me share some insider tips so your Ube Matcha Tea Latte turns out chef-level amazing every single time:

  • Matcha whisking: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) if you have one-it helps create that signature frothy layer. If not, a small electric frother works wonders. Avoid clumps by sifting your matcha powder beforehand.
  • Ube halaya sourcing: Store-bought ube halaya can be super sweet or a bit dense-if it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of warm milk before mixing.
  • Milk choice matters: Full-fat dairy milk gives a rich creaminess, but coconut milk pairs beautifully with ube’s tropical vibe. Almond milk, meanwhile, offers a subtle nuttiness.
  • Sweetness control: Remember, ube halaya is already sweet. Taste your mixture before adding extra sweetener, so you don’t overpower the delicate matcha flavor.
  • Temperature balance: Don’t use boiling water for matcha-it kills the subtle flavors and creates bitterness. Aim for about 175°F (80°C).
  • Visual delight: To get that beautiful purple-and-green swirl, pour the matcha gently on top of the ube milk base, or stir lightly for a marbled effect.

Recipe Variations

Because who doesn’t love options? Here are some exciting twists to customize your Ube Matcha Tea Latte:

  • Iced Ube Matcha Latte: Use cold milk and plenty of ice cubes. Blend the ube halaya with milk first for smoothness, then layer matcha on top.
  • Vegan version: Use oat, almond, or coconut milk. Check that your ube halaya doesn’t contain dairy (many are vegan-friendly).
  • Ube Matcha Bubble Tea: Add chewy tapioca pearls to the bottom of your glass for a fun, chewy surprise!
  • Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk as it warms for a cozy twist.
  • Matcha swirl smoothie: Blend the ube halaya with frozen banana, coconut milk, and a handful of ice. Pour matcha tea over or swirl it in for a refreshing smoothie.
  • Whipped cream topper: For an indulgent café vibe, top your latte with whipped cream and a dusting of matcha or purple yam powder.

Final Words

Honestly, making an Ube Matcha Tea Latte at home feels like creating a tiny art piece-each layer, swirl, and sip tells a story. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the ritual, the vibrant colors, and the joy of trying something new and bold.

Whether you enjoy it steaming hot on a chilly morning or as a chilled afternoon pick-me-up, this latte promises to delight your senses and brighten your day.

  • It’s a perfect balance of sweet and earthy.
  • It’s a treat that doubles as a conversation starter.
  • And it’s a chance to celebrate two incredible flavors in one cup!

FAQs

What Is An Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

An ube matcha tea latte is a unique fusion of two distinct flavors: ube, a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts, and matcha, finely ground green tea powder from Japan. The drink combines the earthy bitterness of matcha with the sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor of ube, typically served with milk and sweeteners to create a creamy, colorful, and flavorful latte.

What Ingredients Are Needed For An Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

The basic ingredients for an ube matcha tea latte include ube syrup or ube powder, matcha powder, milk (dairy or plant-based), a sweetener like sugar or honey, and ice (optional, for iced versions). Some variations might include whipped cream, vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

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Can I Use Ube Powder Instead Of Ube Syrup For The Latte?

Yes, you can use ube powder instead of ube syrup. If using ube powder, you will need to create an ube mixture by mixing the powder with water or milk to form a smooth paste, then combine it with the matcha and other ingredients. Ube syrup, on the other hand, is already sweetened, so you may need to adjust your sweetener if using the powder.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free ube matcha tea latte, simply replace the dairy milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. These alternatives pair well with the earthy matcha and creamy ube flavors.

How Do I Prepare The Matcha For The Latte?

To prepare matcha, sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps. Add a small amount of hot water (about 2 ounces, not boiling) and whisk the matcha with a bamboo whisk (or a regular whisk) in a circular motion until smooth and frothy. Then, you can add the matcha mixture to the latte ingredients.

What Type Of Sweeteners Can Be Used In An Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

You can use a variety of sweeteners depending on your taste preference. Common choices include granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even agave nectar. For a healthier option, you can also use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Can I Make This Latte Iced?

Yes, you can make an iced ube matcha tea latte by adding ice to the drink after preparing the ube and matcha mixtures. For the best result, cool down the matcha mixture and the ube paste before combining them with cold milk and ice.

How Do I Make Ube Syrup At Home?

To make ube syrup, combine ube puree or mashed ube with sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar. Once it cools, you can use it for your ube matcha tea latte.

What Are Some Variations Of The Ube Matcha Tea Latte?

Some variations of the ube matcha tea latte include adding flavored syrups like vanilla or coconut, using coconut milk for a tropical twist, or topping the latte with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even crushed ube chips for texture. You can also experiment with different types of matcha, like ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha.

Is Ube Matcha Tea Latte A Healthy Drink Option?

Ube matcha tea latte can be a healthy drink option depending on the ingredients used. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and can provide a gentle caffeine boost, while ube offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make it healthier, opt for plant-based milk, use less sugar, or substitute with natural sweeteners. However, like any beverage with added sweeteners and milk, it should be consumed in moderation.