Introduction:
The ube latte has taken social media by storm, captivating coffee lovers with its vibrant purple hue and unique flavor profile. This viral coffee drink combines the earthy sweetness of ube—a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts—with the rich, comforting taste of espresso and creamy milk. If you’re searching for a show-stopping beverage to impress your friends or simply want to try something new, this ube coffee recipe is the perfect place to start.
What is Ube?
Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a purple yam native to the Philippines, celebrated for its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and eye-catching color. Traditionally used in desserts like ube halaya and ice cream, ube has recently found its way into the world of coffee, creating the now-famous purple latte.
Ingredients List
To make a viral ube latte at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso (or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam; available at Asian grocery stores or homemade)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as oat or almond)
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (for iced version)
- Ube extract (optional, for deeper color and flavor)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Purple sprinkles or edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Viral Ube Latte
1. Prepare the Ube Base
Start by making the ube base. If you’re using store-bought ube halaya, scoop 1/4 cup into a small saucepan. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. If you want a more intense purple color, add a few drops of ube extract.
2. Steam or Heat the Milk
In a separate saucepan or using a milk frother, heat your milk until steaming but not boiling. Froth the milk if you prefer a creamy, café-style texture.
3. Brew the Espresso
Brew a fresh shot of espresso using your espresso machine, moka pot, or French press. If you don’t have espresso, use 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee.
4. Assemble the Latte
For a hot ube latte:
- Pour the ube base into your mug.
- Add the hot espresso and stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Slowly pour in the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then top with the foam.
For an iced ube latte:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add the ube base and espresso, stirring to combine.
- Pour cold milk over the mixture and stir gently.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top your ube latte with whipped cream, purple sprinkles, or edible flowers for a truly Instagram-worthy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors of this viral coffee drink.
Tips for the Perfect Ube Latte
- Homemade Ube Halaya: If you want to make your own ube halaya, boil and mash purple yam, then cook with sugar, coconut milk, and butter until thick.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less condensed milk.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and skip the condensed milk or use coconut condensed milk.
Why the Ube Latte is a Viral Coffee Drink
The ube latte stands out not only for its stunning purple color but also for its unique flavor profile. The combination of earthy ube, rich espresso, and creamy milk creates a drink that’s both comforting and exciting. Its visual appeal makes it a favorite for social media posts, while its taste keeps coffee lovers coming back for more.
Conclusion
Making a viral ube latte at home is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this trendy purple latte and impress your friends with your barista skills. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino flavors or just love trying new viral coffee drinks, this ube coffee recipe is a must-try.