This iced ube latte is creamy, lightly sweet, and has that beautiful purple color that makes it feel extra special. It’s super easy to make at home and tastes like something you’d get at a cozy café.
Why I Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I tried ube in a drink—it was sweet, nutty, and almost vanilla-like, but with that deep purple color that makes you pause for a second. Turning it into an iced latte just made sense.
- It feels fancy but takes minutes to make
- The flavor is creamy, slightly nutty, and not too sweet
- That purple color makes it fun every single time
- You can adjust the sweetness and coffee strength easily
- It’s a great way to switch up your usual iced coffee
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk (whole or any milk you like)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 shot espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
- 1/2 teaspoon ube extract
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glass
- Spoon or stirrer
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl or cup
Servings & Time
Serves: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ube Milk
In a glass, add 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon ube extract, 1–2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add Ice
Add 1 cup ice to the ube milk mixture, filling the glass.
Step 3: Pour the Coffee
Slowly pour 1 shot espresso (or 1/2 cup cooled strong coffee) over the ice to create a layered look.
Step 4: Enjoy
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ube extract adds both flavor and color without changing the texture much. Milk helps balance the strong coffee, while sugar smooths out bitterness. When you pour coffee over ice slowly, it creates layers because of density differences—pretty and functional.
Pro Tips
- Use cold milk so your drink stays refreshing
- Add coffee slowly for that layered look
- Taste before adding more sugar—ube is naturally sweet
- Stir right before drinking for the best flavor
Substitutions and Variations
- Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version
- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup
- Add sweet cream foam on top for extra richness
- Blend it for a frozen ube latte
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the ube milk ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add ice and coffee when ready.
Common Mistakes
- Adding too much ube extract (it can taste artificial fast)
- Using hot coffee (melts ice too quickly and waters it down)
- Not stirring enough before drinking
- Skipping sugar completely—it helps balance flavors
What to Serve With
- Butter croissants
- Toast with jam
- Pancakes or waffles
- Light pastries
Macros Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 150–200
- Protein: 5–8g
- Carbs: 18–25g
- Fat: 4–8g
FAQ
What does ube taste like?
It’s sweet, slightly nutty, and has a hint of vanilla.
Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, just make sure it’s strong and cooled.
Is ube latte very sweet?
Not unless you add a lot of sugar—you control the sweetness.
Where do I find ube extract?
Asian grocery stores or online.
Leftovers and Storage
Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store without ice in the fridge for up to 1 day and stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
This iced ube latte is one of those drinks that feels a little special without any extra work. It’s colorful, comforting, and easy to make your own. Give it a try and come back to share how it turned out—I’d love to hear your twist on it!
