Craving a refreshing and colorful coffee drink? Meet the iced ube latte.
This vibrant beverage combines the sweet, nutty flavor of ube with the bold richness of coffee.
Perfect for warm days, it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Ready to switch up your coffee game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
How To Make An Iced Ube Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare the Ube Milk
- Step 2: Add Milk
- Step 3: Add Ice
- Step 4: Prepare the Espresso
- Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Step 6: Stir and Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ube extract
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed coconut milk
- 1/2 cup milk (any type: almond, oat, coconut, or dairy milk)
- 2 shots of espresso or 1/4 cup strong coffee
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Milk frother or whisk
- Espresso machine or alternative coffee maker (e.g., moka pot, French press, or instant coffee)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ube Milk
Start by creating the base for your iced ube latte.
Mix 2 teaspoons of ube extract with 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed coconut milk in a tall glass.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until it’s fully combined and you have a vibrant purple liquid.
This combination will infuse your drink with the unique, sweet flavor of ube.
Step 2: Add Milk
Next, pour 1/2 cup of your preferred milk into the glass.
You can use any type of milk, such as almond, oat, coconut, or dairy milk.
Stir the mixture well to ensure the ube extract and sweetened condensed coconut milk are evenly incorporated with the added milk.
Step 3: Add Ice
To chill your drink, fill the glass with ice cubes.
The ice not only cools the drink but also helps to achieve a visually appealing layered effect when you add the espresso.
Step 4: Prepare the Espresso
Brew 2 shots of espresso or prepare 1/4 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, instant coffee works as a quick and convenient alternative.
Simply dissolve the instant coffee in hot water to create a strong brew.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Pour the hot espresso over the ube milk mixture.
For a beautiful layered effect, pour slowly and aim the stream of coffee to hit an ice cube first.
This gentle blending technique allows the coffee to mix gradually with the ube milk, creating a striking visual contrast.
Optionally, you can top your iced ube latte with ube cold foam for added texture and flavor.
To make the cold foam, whisk together heavy cream, coconut milk, and a few drops of ube extract until the mixture becomes frothy and airy.
Step 6: Stir and Enjoy
Finally, give the drink a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Your vibrant and refreshing iced ube latte is now ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Iced Ube Latte
Creating the perfect iced ube latte requires a few simple adjustments and techniques.
Here are some tips to help you make the best version of this vibrant drink.
Adjust Sweetness
Everyone’s taste buds are different, so it’s important to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Alternatively, you can use simple syrup or your favorite sweetener.
Start with a small amount and taste as you go until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
Milk Alternatives
The type of milk you use can significantly affect the flavor and texture of your iced ube latte.
Feel free to experiment with different types of milk.
Almond milk adds a light, nutty flavor, while oat milk gives a creamy texture.
Coconut milk pairs perfectly with ube, enhancing its tropical notes.
Dairy milk is also a great choice if you prefer a richer taste.
Ube Extract
When it comes to ube extract, a little goes a long way.
Begin with a small amount, such as 2 teaspoons, and adjust to taste.
Ube extract is quite potent, so you don’t need much to achieve that distinctive flavor and vibrant purple color.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in.
Make Ahead
For convenience, you can prepare the ube milk mixture ahead of time.
Mix the ube extract with sweetened condensed coconut milk and your choice of milk.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply add ice and freshly brewed espresso.
This make-ahead method is perfect for busy mornings or when you want to quickly enjoy a delicious iced ube latte.
Variations
Exploring different variations of the iced ube latte can make this delightful drink even more exciting.
Here are some creative twists you can try:
Ube Cold Foam
Add a creamy and luxurious topping to your iced ube latte with ube cold foam.
To make this, froth together heavy cream, coconut milk, and a few drops of ube extract until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
This rich foam not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely texture to your drink.
Spoon the foam on top of your iced ube latte for a beautiful and tasty finish.
Ube Horchata
For a unique and flavorful twist, try making an ube horchata.
Combine ube syrup with rice milk and a dash of cinnamon.
This variation blends the nutty sweetness of ube with the comforting spiciness of cinnamon, creating a deliciously refreshing beverage.
Serve it over ice for a cool treat.
Ube Bubble Tea
Turn your iced ube latte into a fun and chewy experience by adding tapioca pearls.
Prepare the pearls according to the package instructions, then mix them with ube extract before adding them to your latte.
The combination of the chewy pearls and the creamy ube latte creates a delightful texture that makes each sip an adventure.
Hot Ube Latte
Enjoy the comforting flavors of an ube latte even on cooler days by serving it warm.
To make a hot ube latte, heat the ube milk mixture on the stove or in the microwave before adding the espresso.
This warm version retains all the delicious flavors while providing a cozy and soothing drink perfect for any time of the year.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your iced ube latte with the right food can enhance your overall experience.
Here are some suggestions to make the most out of this vibrant and delicious drink.
Morning Delight
Kickstart your day with a balanced and nutritious breakfast.
Pair your iced ube latte with overnight oats.
This combination provides a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
The creamy oats complement the rich and sweet taste of the ube latte, offering a hearty start to your morning.
Another great option is vegan protein balls.
These bite-sized snacks are packed with nutrients and are easy to prepare ahead of time.
They add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the latte, making your breakfast both satisfying and delicious.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
For a rejuvenating afternoon snack, serve your iced ube latte alongside savory vegetable muffins.
These muffins are not only delicious but also provide a good balance of flavors with their savory taste contrasting the sweet, creamy ube latte.
The combination makes for a delightful mid-day treat that keeps you energized.
If you’re looking for something light yet filling, try pairing the latte with a simple avocado toast.
The creamy texture of the avocado and the crunch of the toast pair beautifully with the iced ube latte, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon snack.
Conclusion
Creating an iced ube latte at home is simple and customizable.
You can adjust the sweetness and choose your favorite type of milk.
This drink not only looks beautiful but also tastes delicious.
Have fun experimenting with different variations and enjoy it with your favorite snacks.
Happy brewing!
