Nutty, creamy, bold — your new favorite morning drink.
Hey there!
If you love cold brew and something a little different, this Black Sesame Cold Brew is going to make your day.
It’s rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and super smooth — like a coffee shop drink but made at home.
The black sesame gives it a roasted, toasty flavor that balances perfectly with the bold coffee.
It’s creamy, earthy, and absolutely refreshing over ice.
This drink is inspired by a black sesame latte I had in a tiny Tokyo café.
I still remember the way it was both comforting and energizing. Now I blend that memory with my daily cold brew.
And let me tell you — magic.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ tablespoons black sesame paste (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (unsweetened)
- ½ cup milk of choice (oat milk or whole milk work great)
- Ice
Why I Love This Recipe
Black Sesame Cold Brew is one of those drinks that surprises you. It’s not just “coffee with stuff in it.” It’s layered, silky, and full of flavor.
- It’s an easy way to feel like you’re treating yourself.
- The sesame paste adds a unique, nutty richness.
- Comes together in under 5 minutes.
- Great for hot mornings when you want something special.
- Totally customizable – sweeten it or not, milk or no milk.
Makes: 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Black sesame paste is naturally high in oils and fats, which helps it blend into the coffee and milk smoothly. The fats bind with the bitter notes in coffee and soften them — so instead of bitter, you get a balanced, toasty flavor. Adding a touch of hot water to the paste loosens it just enough so it mixes better into the drink instead of clumping.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small bowl
- Spoon or mini whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Mason jar or tall glass
- Optional: handheld frother
Pro Tips
- Mix the sesame paste well with hot water first — this keeps it from clumping when you pour in cold brew.
- Use a good cold brew — something bold but not too acidic.
- Chill your glass ahead of time if you want the drink to stay cold longer.
- Use coffee ice cubes to keep the flavor strong as it melts.
- Try oat milk if you want it extra creamy and nutty.
Substitutions & Variations
- Maple syrup instead of honey = vegan version.
- Almond butter if you don’t have sesame paste (different flavor but still tasty).
- Sweetened black sesame paste? Skip the honey.
- No milk? Leave it out for a bold black sesame iced coffee.
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the black sesame paste, sweetener, and water ahead and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Brew a batch of cold brew at the start of the week for easy morning drinks.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix black sesame paste, honey, and hot water
In a small bowl, stir together 1 ½ tablespoons black sesame paste, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), and 1 tablespoon hot water until smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Add the sesame mixture to a glass
Spoon the sesame mix into the bottom of your glass.
Step 3: Pour in the cold brew
Slowly pour in 1 cup of cold brew coffee over the sesame mixture.
Step 4: Add milk and stir
Pour in ½ cup of milk and stir gently to combine. Use a spoon or frother to mix until everything is smooth and the drink looks creamy.
Step 5: Add ice and serve
Drop in a handful of ice cubes (coffee ice cubes if you’ve got them!) and enjoy.
Macros (Approximate, per serving with oat milk and honey)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 10g
- Caffeine: ~100mg
Common Mistakes
- Not mixing the paste first. If you skip this, it’ll clump in your drink.
- Using too much sweetener. Sesame is subtle — don’t overpower it.
- Using flavored cold brew. Go with plain so the sesame stands out.
What to Serve With
- A slice of banana bread
- Matcha scone
- Avocado toast
- Or just drink it solo while soaking in the morning peace
FAQ
Can I use tahini instead of black sesame paste?
Yes, but the flavor will be more mild and less toasty.
Is this sweet or more bitter?
Balanced! The honey sweetens it, but the sesame and coffee give it a roasted, earthy feel.
Can I make this hot?
Totally. Just use hot brewed coffee and warm milk instead of cold versions.
Do I have to use milk?
Nope. It’s still delicious without — just bolder.
Leftovers & Storage
This is best made fresh, but you can mix the sesame-honey base and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add coffee and milk when ready to drink.
Wrap-Up
This Black Sesame Cold Brew is such a vibe. It’s the kind of drink that makes a regular morning feel just a little more special. I hope you try it and love it like I do. If you make it, leave a comment — I’d love to hear how it went or help with any tweaks you need!
☕💬
