Creamy purple ube latte, a beverage that seems almost too beautiful to drink, first captured my attention on a chilly afternoon at a cozy little café in the heart of the city. Creamy purple ube latte, with its rich purple hue and velvety smooth texture, promised a sweet escape from the daily grind. I took my first sip, and immediately, the sweet, earthy flavor of the ube mixed with the comforting warmth of the milk. It was as if the vibrant color carried a burst of happiness, transforming the day into something special. Creamy purple ube latte had officially won me over, and I knew I’d be back for more.
A Journey to the Philippines
As I sipped on my creamy purple ube latte, I couldn’t help but think of the origins of this unique flavor. Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, had made its way across the world, weaving itself into the hearts of food lovers everywhere. The vibrant purple root is a Filipino staple, often used in desserts like halo-halo and ube ice cream. I wondered how this humble ingredient had transformed into the centerpiece of such a sophisticated drink. The creamy purple ube latte, though a modern twist, was a nod to the rich, cultural history of the Philippines, and I could taste the love and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
The Making of the Perfect Latte
Creamy purple ube latte starts with a sweet, smooth ube syrup—usually made by simmering the yam with sugar and coconut milk. The syrup is then blended into a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee, creating the perfect balance of earthy sweetness and bold caffeine kick. The milk, steamed to a frothy perfection, is added last, swirling into the purple syrup, creating a mesmerizing ombre effect. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. The creamy purple ube latte reminds me that sometimes, a simple cup of coffee can be an adventure in itself, taking your senses on a journey from the Philippines to your cup with each sip.
Creamy purple ube latte isn’t just a beverage; it’s a moment to pause, to indulge, and to savor life’s little pleasures. With each cup, I find myself slowing down and appreciating the magic in the details: the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the artful presentation, and the connection to a culture halfway around the world. I realize that while the drink may only last a few minutes, the feeling it evokes stays with me long after the last sip. Creamy purple ube latte is not just a drink, but a gentle reminder to appreciate the beautiful and unexpected things life has to offer.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Creamy Purple Ube Latte
- Make sure to fully incorporate the ube halaya with the hot water and ube extract until smooth. This will prevent clumping and ensure a creamy texture in the latte.
- If you don’t have instant espresso powder, brewed espresso or strong coffee can work just as well. Adjust the amount to taste.
- For a light and airy cold foam, use a hand mixer on medium speed and watch closely. Stop mixing once you reach soft peaks; overwhipping can turn the foam into whipped cream.
- When pouring the ube mixture and espresso over ice, pour slowly to maintain distinct layers. This layering creates a visually appealing drink.
- Sweetness can vary greatly depending on preferences and the type of milk used. Start with the recommended amount of sweetened condensed milk and taste as you go, adding more if desired.
- For the best creaminess, whole milk or a full-fat plant-based milk like oat or coconut milk works well. Lower-fat milks may create a thinner texture.
Creamy Purple Ube Latte
4
servings15
minutes0
minutes220
kcal15
minutesImmerse yourself in the enchanting world of our Creamy Purple Ube Latte, expertly blending the earthy sweetness of ube extract and halaya, crowned with a light and fluffy ube cold foam. This captivating beverage is a must-try for ube aficionados seeking a delightful twist to their coffee routine. Effortlessly crafted yet brimming with rich flavors and a stunning purple hue, this latte promises a luxurious and Instagram-worthy experience. Let the harmonious layers of creamy and airy textures tantalize your taste buds, making each sip an exquisite indulgence. Elevate your drink game and savor the magic of this Filipino-inspired masterpiece!
Ingredients
- For the Ube Latte
8 tablespoons hot water
8 tablespoons ube halaya either homemade or store-bought
2 teaspoons ube flavoring
4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
4 cups ice cubes
2 cups milk dairy or plant-based such as coconut milk
4 teaspoons sweetener of choice (sugar, stevia, agave nectar, honey)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ube Halaya Substitute: Use purple sweet potato or taro mash as a replacement.
Ube Extract Alternative: Substitute with violet or vanilla extract for a different floral note.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Replacement: Use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Dairy Milk Substitute: Opt for almond soy, or oat milk to make the latte vegan.
Heavy Cream Alternative: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free cold foam.
Sweetener Options: Replace sugar with honey maple syrup, or stevia to cater to different dietary preferences.
Directions
- Prepare Ube Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 tablespoons hot water, 8 tablespoons ube halaya, and 2 teaspoons ube flavoring. Stir thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency, ensuring the ube halaya is fully integrated. Set this aside for later use. (Approx. 3 minutes)
- Dissolve Espresso: In another bowl, mix 8 tablespoons hot water with 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder. Use a spoon to stir until the espresso granules are completely dissolved, creating a strong coffee infusion. Keep this mixture aside alongside the ube blend. (Approx. 2 minutes)
- Prepare the Mug: Lightly coat the inside of four serving mugs with 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk using a spoon, creating a sweet base layer that will add richness to the latte. (Approx. 1 minute)
- Assemble the Latte: Divide 4 cups of ice evenly among the prepared mugs. Pour 2 cups of milk into each mug, then layer with the prepared ube mixture and the dissolved espresso. Adjust sweetness by adding 4 teaspoons sweetener, tasting and modifying to your preference. (Approx. 3 minutes)
- Create Cold Foam: In a mixing bowl, blend 12 tablespoons heavy cream, 4 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon ube flavoring. Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate 4 teaspoons sweetener, mixing until well combined. (Approx. 5 minutes)
- Top and Serve: Gently spoon the ube cold foam over each latte, allowing it to sit atop the creamy base. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ube powder or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for an enhanced presentation. Enjoy your creamy purple ube latte! (Approx. 2 minutes)
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
FAQ- Creamy Purple Ube Latte
Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
Yes! Simply warm the milk and ube mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave before adding the espresso and cold foam on top. This creates a cozy, warming version.
What is ube halaya, and where can I find it?
Ube halaya is a traditional Filipino sweet jam made from purple yam. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores or make it at home with ube powder, sugar, and milk.
How long will the ube cold foam last if I make it ahead of time?
The ube cold foam is best when made fresh, as it may lose its texture if stored. However, you can keep it refrigerated for up to 1 day and re-whip if necessary before serving.
Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder?
Absolutely! Just brew a small, strong amount of coffee, about 1-2 oz per serving, to substitute for the espresso powder. Instant espresso powder is just a convenient alternative.
Is there a vegan way to make the cold foam?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or cashew cream with a plant-based milk for the foam. Make sure to whip it with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, as these non-dairy creams can be a bit denser.
