Name: Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 tbsp (30 g) hot water; 2 tbsp (30 g) ube halaya (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) ube extract; 2 tbsp (30 g) hot water; 1 tsp (1 g) instant espresso powder; 1–2 tbsp (20 g) sweetened condensed milk; Ice; 1/2 cup (122 g) milk (dairy or plant-based); 1–2 tsp (4 g) sweetener, optional; 3 tbsp (45 g) heavy cream; 1 tbsp (15 g) milk; 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) ube extract; 1–2 tsp (4 g) sweetener, optional

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This Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam is a vibrant and creamy drink that blends the nutty sweetness of ube halaya with smooth espresso and a fluffy, purple cold foam topping. The layers of espresso, milk, and ube create a visually stunning latte that tastes just as good as it looks. Perfect as a mid-day pick-me-up or a fun coffeehouse-style drink at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique flavor from ube halaya and ube extract
Beautiful purple layers with coffee and cream
Sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy taste balanced by espresso
Easy to customize with dairy or plant-based milk
Coffeehouse-worthy drink you can make in minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the ube latte

2 tablespoons (30 g) hot water
2 tablespoons (30 g) ube halaya (homemade or store-bought)
¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) ube extract, adjust to taste
2 tablespoons (30 g) hot water
1 teaspoon (1 g) instant espresso powder
1–2 tablespoons (20 g) sweetened condensed milk
Ice
½ cup (122 g) milk (dairy or plant-based; coconut milk works great)
1–2 teaspoons (4 g) sweetener (sugar, stevia, agave, or honey), optional

For the ube cold foam

3 tablespoons (45 g) heavy cream
1 tablespoon (15 g) milk (dairy or plant-based)
¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) ube extract, adjust to taste
1–2 teaspoons (4 g) sweetener (sugar, stevia, agave, or honey), optional

Directions

Make the ube latte

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons hot water, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
In another small bowl, whisk or froth instant espresso powder with 2 tablespoons hot water until fluffy.
Smear 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk along the inside of a serving glass.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in the milk.
Add the ube mixture and then the espresso on top. Adjust sweetness with 1–2 teaspoons of sweetener if desired.

Make the ube cold foam

In a small bowl, whisk or froth heavy cream, milk, and ube extract until light and fluffy.
Add 1–2 teaspoons of sweetener and adjust to taste.

Assemble

Spoon the ube cold foam over the latte.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Hot version: Skip the ice and steam the milk before mixing.
Iced caramel twist: Drizzle caramel syrup inside the cup along with condensed milk.
Vegan option: Use coconut cream for the cold foam and oat or almond milk for the latte.
Extra coffee kick: Double the espresso for a stronger flavor.
No condensed milk: Replace with coconut cream and sugar for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed fresh, as the foam will deflate if stored.
Ube mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Cold foam should be made just before serving for best texture.

FAQs

What does ube taste like?

Ube has a mildly sweet, nutty, and vanilla-like flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee.

Do I need ube halaya for this recipe?

Yes, ube halaya adds thickness and authentic ube flavor. You can make it homemade or use store-bought.

Can I make this drink without espresso?

Yes, you can use brewed coffee, cold brew, or even matcha for a caffeine alternative.

How do I make this drink less sweet?

Reduce the condensed milk or use unsweetened milk and adjust with a lighter sweetener.

Can I prepare this drink hot instead of iced?

Yes, just use steamed milk and skip the ice for a cozy hot ube latte.

Can I use ube powder instead of halaya?

Yes, mix rehydrated ube powder with water and sweetener as a substitute.

What plant-based milks work best?

Coconut, oat, or almond milk are great options, depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use a milk frother for the foam?

Yes, a frother or handheld whisk works best for fluffy cold foam.

Does butterfly pea tea work with this recipe for a color change?

Yes, adding a splash of butterfly pea tea can turn the foam from purple to pink with lemon juice.

Can I make a batch for guests?

You can prepare the ube base and coffee ahead, but assemble with foam just before serving.

Conclusion

This Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam is as delightful to look at as it is to sip. With its vibrant purple hue, creamy layers, and hint of coffee, it’s the perfect fusion of Filipino flavors and café-style flair. Whether you enjoy it iced or hot, this drink brings a touch of luxury and fun to your everyday coffee routine.