Iced Ube Latte

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My iced ube latte combines purple yam extract with almond milk and espresso to create a purple drink with earthy vanilla and coconut notes. It takes just 5 minutes to make with only five ingredients and has just 38 calories per serving. I love that it’s naturally dairy-free, vegan, and so much healthier than coffee shop versions loaded with sugar!

While I love my regular morning coffee, sometimes I need a change in routine, especially when it’s a little warmer outside and I’m craving something a little sweeter than black coffee! When ube first came out, I saw it appear on most coffee shop menus, but I also remember those drinks being loaded with sugar and processed ingredients.

Which is why I knew I had to make a healthier version at home that tasted just as good as the coffee shop version!

What started as an experiment has become my go-to afternoon treat. I make it whenever I need a pick-me-up that doesn’t leave me with that sugar crash later. My kids love the purple color, and I love that I can control exactly what goes into it instead of relying on coffee shop versions with mystery ingredients.

🥘 Ingredients

My recipe uses only five simple ingredients that come together to craft the most delicious and refreshing drink! Here’s what I used:

Ube Extract: I use just 1 teaspoon to create the purple color and earthy flavor. In a pinch, I have used 2-3 tablespoons of ube jam as a substitute (warmed and dissolved in milk first).

Milk: I like to use unsweetened almond milk for a neutral base and for a creamy consistency. Any plant based milk will work (oat, cashew, coconut) as a 1:1 substitute. For non-vegan options, I can use whole milk, low-fat, or nonfat milk also as a 1:1 substitute.

Sweetener: I use just 1 teaspoon of sugar for a little bit of sweetness without using sugar substitutes. This is totally optional and can be omitted for a less sweet drink! Any sweetener (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, brown sugar or even stevia) will work as a 1:1 substitute.

Coffee: I use 2 shots of espresso for caffeine and nutty flavor. I have also used ½ cup of strong instant coffee which has worked well. For decaf, I substitute the espresso for decaf espresso as a 1:1 swap.

Ice: I use 1 cup of ice cubes to keep the drink cold and refreshing! I like to go heavy on the ice since the espresso melts some of it.

🔪 How To Make

Making my ube latte recipe is as easy as 1-2-3! Literally, it only requires 3 steps and 5 minutes!

Make The Base: I add the ube extract to the bottom of a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. This helps the extract start mixing right away.

Add The Milk: I pour the cold almond milk into the glass and stir until the ube extract is completely dissolved and the mixture turns purple.

Top With Coffee: I mix the sugar into the hot espresso until it dissolves completely, then pour the sweetened espresso over the ube milk mixture. I serve immediately while it’s still cold.

📖 Variations 

Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch up this recipe, adding in different flavors and textures, or experimenting with other caffeine sources like matcha!

Make It Hot: I heat the milk in the microwave, froth it with a milk frother, then combine with ube extract and hot espresso.

Matcha: I whisk 1 teaspoon matcha powder into the milk and ube extract before adding espresso! It gives the drink a slightly sweet, grassy flavor which I love.

Bubble Tea: I’ll add cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of the glass before building the latte for a fun texture. Or I’ll make my homemade bubble tea, and then I’ll give it a twist adding ube extract to it!

🍽 Serving Suggestions

My ultra refreshing latte is best served fresh! Here are some of my all time favorite ways to enjoy this drink:

Toppings: For a bit more indulgence, I’ll add a dollop of vegan whipped cream or whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of ube powder for a bright and cheery finish!

With A Healthy Breakfast: I love to pair my latte with other breakfast staples like my high-protein overnight oats, dairy-free blueberry muffins, or these easy croffles. On busy mornings I’ll keep things simple with some homemade granola and yogurt or avocado toast.

For An Afternoon Boost: On those days that just seem to drag on and on I find myself really needing a pick-me-up, and this drink is my go-to lately! I like to serve it alongside some of my easy snack recipes like these vegan protein balls or savory vegetable muffins.

🫙 Storage Instructions

Best Fresh: This latte tastes best when served immediately after making, while the espresso is just brewed, and the drink is properly layered.

Short-Term Storage: I have made the ube milk mixture ahead of time and stored it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, I add fresh ice and hot espresso.

Make-Ahead Tip: For busy mornings, I recommend adding the ube extract and milk to a mason jar and store it covered in the refrigerator. Then, I just add ice and espresso when I’m ready to drink.

❓Recipe FAQs

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