Ube Coconut Iced Latte
Ube Coconut Iced Latte: Your Daily Dose of Purple Paradise
Okay, friends, let’s talk about something truly special: the Ube Coconut Iced Latte. I know, I know, the name alone sounds like a dream. And honestly? It kind of is. I’ve become absolutely obsessed with this drink, and I’m so excited to finally share my recipe with you. It’s perfect for those lazy weekend mornings, or when you just need a little treat to brighten up your day. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll be skipping the coffee shop lines forever.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a coffee person through and through, but I also love to explore new and exciting flavors. This latte brings together the best of both worlds! The vibrant purple hue of the ube jam is gorgeous, and the taste is just incredible – a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and subtly floral. It’s not just a pretty drink; it actually tastes amazing. Plus, it’s so easy to make! You can whip one up in literally minutes, which is exactly what I need on a busy morning. The homemade version also helps me control the sweetness (I like to keep it *just* right!).
What Does it Taste Like?
Imagine this: a creamy, dreamy blend of coconut and ube (purple yam) with a kick of coffee. The coconut milk provides a rich, tropical base, while the ube jam adds a unique sweetness and a hint of vanilla. It’s almost like a hug in a glass! The coffee cuts through the sweetness and provides the perfect caffeine boost we love. The final result is a balanced, not-too-sweet, and utterly delicious drink that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this purple magic:
Ube Coconut Iced Latte: Your Daily Dose of Purple Paradise
Ingredients
Method
- Mix ube jam, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
- In a tall glass, combine cooled espresso/coffee, coconut milk, and the ube mixture. Stir well.
- Top with ice cubes, then add coconut cream for a frothy finish.
- Optional: add extra sugar/maple syrup for increased sweetness.
Notes
Use ube powder mixed with coconut milk for a lighter version if halaya is unavailable.
Adjust coffee strength: dialing down espresso intensity suits stronger coconut flavors.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 24 hours (best served fresh).
- 2 tablespoons ube jam or ube halaya
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk, shaken well
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream, for topping
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup, if you like it sweeter
How to Make the Ube Coconut Iced Latte
Here’s how to make this delicious treat, step-by-step:
- Make the Ube Base: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons ube jam, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Add Coconut Milk: Pour 3/4 cup shaken canned coconut milk into the smooth ube base. Stir until the drink base turns light purple and creamy.
- Fill the Glass With Ice: Add 1 cup ice cubes to a tall clear glass.
- Pour in the Ube Coconut Milk: Pour the creamy ube coconut milk over the 1 cup ice cubes in the glass.
- Add the Coffee: Slowly pour 1/2 cup cooled strong brewed espresso or strong coffee over the ube coconut milk. Pour gently so the coffee sits on top.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon 1 tablespoon coconut cream on top. Add 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup only if you want it sweeter. Stir before drinking.
My Pro Tips and Tricks
Over the weeks… okay, months… that I’ve been making this latte, I’ve picked up a few helpful hints:
- Cool Your Coffee: Make sure your coffee is completely cooled before pouring it into the glass. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a watery mess. Trust me, lesson learned!
- Shake Your Coconut Milk: Always shake or stir the canned coconut milk well before measuring. This ensures a consistent, creamy texture.
- Ube Base Smoother: Before mixing the drink, blend the ube jam and condensed milk first so it turns smooth, I find this really helps to avoid chunks of jam.
- Layering Magic: Pouring the espresso last helps create those beautiful layers. It’s almost too pretty to drink… almost!
- Sweetness Check: Ube jam is already pretty sweet, so taste the latte before adding extra sugar or maple syrup. You might not need any! I usually don’t.
- Experiment: If you’re feeling fancy, you can try adding a sprinkle of ube powder on top for extra color and flavor.
Easy Variations
Feel like switching things up? You totally can!
- Ube Coconut Smoothie: Blend all the ingredients in a blender with extra ice for a thicker, more smoothie-like consistency.
- Ube Iced Coffee: Skip the coconut milk and simply add the ube base to your iced coffee. Simple and delicious!
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use any dairy-free creamer, or milk you like if you need. Almond milk and oat milk also work well. You might want a little less sweetened condensed milk though.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the ube base for a warm, cozy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions I get asked most often about this recipe:
- Where do I find ube jam? You can usually find ube jam (also known as ube halaya) in Asian grocery stores or online.
- Can I use a different type of milk? Sure! Any milk will do. Coconut milk is what I like best!
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the ube base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the coconut milk and coffee when you’re ready to enjoy your latte.
- Is this drink very sweet? The sweetness level is easily adjustable. Start with the amount of condensed milk in the recipe, and adjust to your taste.
Why This Recipe Works: Quick Science
Let’s take a quick look at the science of deliciousness:
- Ube Jam: Is thick and sweet, so it gives the drink body and flavor.
- Condensed Milk: Helps it mix into the coconut milk.
- Coconut Milk: Has fat, which makes the latte taste smooth.
- Pouring Coffee Last: Helps make pretty layers because the creamy ube milk is heavier than the coffee.
Macros Information
Estimated per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
Final Thoughts
I hope you love this Ube Coconut Iced Latte as much as I do! It’s the perfect treat, a little bit of sunshine in a glass. Make a batch, customize it to your liking, and enjoy the delicious flavor. I’d love to see your creations! Share your pictures on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your versions of my favorite drink!
