A pink beetroot latte is a vibrant, healthy drink quickly gaining popularity as a delicious alternative to coffee and tea.
It’s naturally caffeine-free, but you can add espresso for an extra kick.
What makes it stand out is its stunning pink color and its versatility.
Whether vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, this latte can be customized with plant-based milk and natural sweeteners.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it not only visually appealing but also good for your body.
Here’s an easy guide on how to make this delicious drink at home!
How to Make a Pink Beetroot Latte: At A Glance
- Cook the beetroot
- Blend the beet
- Heat the milk
- Froth the milk
- Assemble the latte
- Enjoy!
Why You Should Drink Beetroot Lattes
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are more than just a colorful addition to your latte.
They’re packed with health benefits, starting with detoxification.
Beets support liver function by helping the body flush out toxins, keeping your system clean and working efficiently.
They also help reduce inflammation, thanks to compounds like betaine, which has been shown to soothe chronic inflammation.
Additionally, beets are great for digestion, providing fiber that promotes gut health and aids in smoother digestion.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are another major reason to enjoy a beetroot latte.
Beets are rich in these powerful compounds, which fight free radicals in the body and protect your cells.
This means they can help improve skin health, keeping your complexion clear and radiant.
Beets are also known to help regulate blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
And if you’re looking to boost your stamina, beets might help with that too, as they support better oxygen flow throughout your body.
Low in Calories
For those keeping an eye on calories, beetroot lattes are a smart choice.
Each serving contains around 133 calories, making it a light and nutritious option.
You can enjoy the creamy, slightly sweet taste of this drink without worrying about calorie overload.
Plus, since the ingredients are plant-based and natural, you’re getting quality nutrition with every sip.
Key Ingredients in a Pink Beetroot Latte
Beetroot: Fresh Beetroot, Beet Juice, or Beetroot Powder
The core ingredient of this latte is beetroot, and there are several ways to use it.
Fresh beetroot offers the most natural flavor and vibrant color, but it requires a bit more prep.
You’ll need to roast or boil it, then blend it into the drink.
Beet juice, whether fresh or store-bought, is a quicker option, adding a bold beet flavor with less effort.
Beetroot powder is the most convenient choice.
It dissolves easily and still provides the pink hue, but may have a slightly milder taste.
Each option works, but fresh beets bring the most earthy, full-bodied flavor, while beetroot powder is a time-saver.
Plant-Based Milk Options
Choosing the right milk is essential for achieving the right texture and taste.
Almond milk is a popular choice for its light, nutty flavor and decent frothing capability.
It creates a smooth, creamy foam that complements the beetroot well.
Coconut milk adds richness and a slightly tropical flavor, but its thicker consistency may not froth as well as almond milk.
Oat milk is another great option, known for its ability to froth beautifully while providing a naturally sweet taste.
Spices: Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla, and Cardamom
Spices play a key role in elevating the flavor of your beetroot latte.
Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, while ginger gives a slight kick that complements the earthy beetroot.
Vanilla extract smooths out the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Cardamom offers a unique, fragrant note that balances the beet’s natural bitterness.
You can also add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and extra depth of flavor.
These spices not only enhance the taste but also bring their own health benefits, making your latte even more nourishing.
Sweeteners: Maple Syrup, Honey, or Agave Syrup
A little sweetness rounds out the flavors of the beetroot latte.
Maple syrup is a common choice because it’s natural and offers a subtle, caramel-like flavor.
Honey is another great option, but keep in mind that it’s not vegan.
For a plant-based alternative, agave syrup works well and has a neutral taste that blends easily.
These natural sweeteners are used to balance the earthiness of the beets without overpowering the drink, making it just sweet enough without being overly sugary.
Step-by-Step Recipe for a Pink Beetroot Latte
Ingredients
- 1 small beetroot (boiled or roasted) or 1 tablespoon beetroot powder
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk (e.g., almond, coconut, oat) or regular milk if preferred
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (or ½ inch fresh ginger)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey/agave syrup as a sweetener)
Suggested Substitutes
- You can swap fresh beetroot with beet juice (½ cup) or beetroot powder for convenience.
- For milk, use almond, coconut, or oat milk based on your preference for frothing and flavor.
Hot Pink Beetroot Latte
- Cook the beetroot (if using fresh): Boil or roast 1 small beetroot until tender (about 30 minutes), then peel and chop it.
- Blend the beet: Add the cooked beetroot (or beetroot powder), ½ cup of milk, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla extract into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1 cup of milk over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat.
- Froth the milk: Use a milk frother or whisk to froth the hot milk until foamy.
- Assemble the latte: Pour the beet mixture into a mug, then gently pour the frothed milk over it while stirring. Add maple syrup or your sweetener of choice, stir, and enjoy!
Iced Pink Beetroot Latte
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine the beetroot (or beetroot powder), ½ cup of cold milk, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Pour over ice: Fill a glass with ice and pour the beet mixture over it.
- Froth cold milk: Froth 1 cup of cold milk with a frother or whisk (if frothing is difficult, use oat milk for better results).
- Assemble the iced latte: Pour the frothed cold milk over the beet mixture, stir gently, and enjoy your iced pink beetroot latte!
Pro Tips
- Frothing Milk: Oat milk tends to froth the best, especially for cold drinks. Almond milk is also a good choice for frothing, while coconut milk may require extra effort due to its thicker consistency.
- Blending Smoothly: For an ultra-smooth texture, use a high-speed blender, especially if you’re working with fresh beets. If using beetroot powder, ensure it’s fully dissolved by blending for a bit longer.
- Balancing Flavor: If you find the beet flavor too strong, add a pinch more cinnamon or ginger to balance out the earthiness. You can also increase the vanilla extract for added sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving (assuming the use of almond milk and maple syrup as sweetener):
- Calories: 133 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Potassium: 333mg
- Vitamin C: 6.6mg (8% of daily recommended intake)
This latte is suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
It’s naturally vegan and dairy-free when made with plant-based milk options like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
It’s also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
For those seeking a low-calorie option, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing or skipping the maple syrup or honey.
Popular Variations of a Beetroot Latte
Below are some popular variations to try, each offering a unique twist on the classic pink beetroot latte.
Dirty Beetroot Latte
For those who love a caffeine boost, the Dirty Beetroot Latte adds a shot of espresso to the mix.
This version combines the earthy sweetness of beetroot with the rich, bold flavor of coffee, giving you a colorful yet energizing start to your day.
Simply brew a shot of espresso and stir it into your hot or iced beetroot latte.
Beetroot Mocha
If you’re craving something chocolatey, try a Beetroot Mocha.
This variation incorporates 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the beetroot mixture.
The slight bitterness of the cocoa balances out the sweetness of the beet, creating a rich, indulgent flavor.
You can also sweeten it with maple syrup or honey to taste.
Red Velvet Latte
For a dessert-like experience, the Red Velvet Latte is a must-try.
This version uses plant-based chocolate milk instead of regular milk, giving it a creamy, velvety texture with a hint of chocolate.
The chocolate milk enhances the natural sweetness of the beets, making the latte taste like a liquid version of the popular red velvet cake.
Simply replace your standard milk with chocolate milk, and you have a sweet, comforting drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
Beetroot Chai Latte
For a spiced twist, the Beetroot Chai Latte blends warming chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom into the drink.
To make this version, add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cardamom to the beetroot mixture.
The spices not only enhance the flavor but also provide added health benefits, making this variation both delicious and nourishing.
Storage Tips
If you have a leftover beetroot latte base, you can easily store it for later use.
The base can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the base in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
If you prefer a cold version, skip the reheating and serve the latte base chilled, pouring it over ice for a refreshing treat.
Just remember not to store frothed milk, as it doesn’t keep well once frothed.
Instead, froth fresh milk when you’re ready to enjoy your latte.
This way, you’ll always have a delicious beetroot latte on hand, whether you like it hot or cold!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When making a beetroot latte, a few common issues can arise.
If the beet flavor is too strong, try reducing the amount of fresh beetroot or beet powder used in the recipe.
Balancing it with more spices like cinnamon or ginger can also help mellow the earthiness.
Another issue could be frothing the milk.
Some plant-based milks, like coconut milk, may not froth as easily as almond or oat milk.
To get a better froth, choose oat milk, which tends to create a creamy foam more reliably.
Separation of ingredients after blending can occur if the mixture isn’t blended long enough or if the milk doesn’t mix well with the beet base.
To avoid this, blend the ingredients thoroughly and use a high-speed blender for a smoother, more integrated consistency.
For a creamier texture, adding a small amount of coconut cream or using cashew milk can enhance the richness of the latte.
Final Thoughts
The pink beetroot latte is a perfect blend of vibrant colors and nutritious ingredients.
It’s packed with health benefits, easy to customize, and suitable for various dietary needs.
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this latte is a versatile drink that can be made exactly how you like it.
Try experimenting with different variations like the dirty beetroot or beetroot mocha to keep things interesting.
Give this beautiful and healthy drink a try—it’s sure to brighten your day!
