Name: Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons hot water; 2 tablespoons ube halaya; ¼ teaspoon ube extract (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk; Ice as needed; ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based, coconut milk recommended); 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (such as sugar, stevia, agave, honey; adjust to taste); 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based); ¼ teaspoon ube extract (adjust to taste); 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (such as sugar, stevia, agave, honey; adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your day with a drink that’s as vibrant in color as it is rich in flavor, the Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful purple-hued beverage marries the earthy sweetness of ube halaya with the bold kick of espresso and silky, creamy foam. It’s the perfect way to bring a swirl of tropical charm and cozy indulgence into your daily coffee ritual. Whether you’re an ube enthusiast or just discovering this Filipino purple yam treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite, offering a playful twist on your usual latte experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit on a light wood surface next to a white cloth, showing purple and dark brown liquids inside. One bowl contains a deep purple liquid with a silver whisk resting on its edge, while the other holds a dark brown liquid, appearing smooth with a small cluster of bubbles in the center. The setting has a simple and clean look, enhancing the contrast between the colors of the liquids and the light background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe is a breeze because it relies on straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each element was thoughtfully chosen — from the naturally vibrant ube halaya to the smooth creaminess of your milk of choice — to create a perfectly balanced latte with unforgettable color and flavor.

2 tablespoons hot water: Helps dissolve ube halaya for that smooth, creamy texture.
2 tablespoons ube halaya: The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and that stunning purple hue.
¼ teaspoon ube extract: Concentrates the ube flavor and deepens the vibrant color.
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder: Provides the bold coffee base with just the right amount of kick.
1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk: Adds silky sweetness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Ice: Keeps your latte refreshingly chilled.
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based): Creates the creamy body of your latte; coconut milk adds a tropical twist.
1-2 teaspoons sweetener: Optional, adjusts sweetness to your taste using sugar, stevia, honey, or agave.
3 tablespoons heavy cream: Key for a fluffy, dreamy ube cold foam topping.
1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based): Lightens the cold foam while enhancing creaminess.

How to Make Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ube Mixture

Start by stirring together 2 tablespoons of hot water, 2 tablespoons of ube halaya, and ¼ teaspoon of ube extract in a small bowl. This step ensures the ube halaya dissolves smoothly, creating a luscious purple paste that forms the heartfelt foundation of your latte.

Step 2: Make the Espresso

Next, blend 2 tablespoons of hot water with 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder. Use a frother to whip this into a light, fluffy espresso base. This blend introduces a rich, warm coffee note that perfectly balances the sweet ube flavors.

Step 3: Prep Your Serving Mug

Take your favorite mug and smear 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk on the inside. This step infuses every sip with creamy sweetness and helps the flavors meld beautifully when combined with the rest of the latte ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Ube Latte

Fill the mug with ice, then pour in ½ cup of your chosen milk. Add the ube mixture on top, followed by the freshly made espresso. Taste the latte and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding 1-2 teaspoons of your preferred sweetener. Stir gently to combine without losing the pretty purple layers.

Step 5: Create the Ube Cold Foam

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of milk, and ¼ teaspoon ube extract. Beat using a frother until light and fluffy. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons sweetener, adjusting sweetness to suit your palate. This airy cold foam adds a luxurious texture and an extra burst of ube flavor.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Gently pour the vibrant ube cold foam over your latte, allowing it to settle into a beautiful, velvety topping. The contrast between the rich purple foam and the milky espresso base is simply irresistible. Now, sit back, sip slowly, and enjoy your masterpiece.

How to Serve Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe

A clear glass cup sits on a white plate, filled with three visible layers of drink. The bottom layer is a light creamy beige color. The middle layer is a swirled mix of light brown and beige with some icy texture visible. The top layer is a thick, smooth light purple cream being poured into the cup from above by a woman’s hand holding a container. In the background, there is a small glass bowl with more purple cream and a white cloth on a table with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra dash of fun and flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of grated purple yam or toasted coconut flakes on top of your ube cold foam. A light sprinkle of matcha powder or edible flowers can also add a sophisticated touch while enhancing its vibrant aesthetic.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs amazingly well with light pastries like coconut macaroons or buttery shortbread cookies. The subtle sweetness of these treats complements the ube’s creamy notes perfectly, turning your coffee break into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the ingredients in a clear glass mug to showcase the mesmerizing purple foam sitting atop the latte. Use a straw with a scoop on the end to savor the foam first or swirl the foam and latte together for a unique flavor burst. You can even serve it in a mason jar topped with a colorful paper straw for that charming cafe vibe at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover ube latte mixture or cold foam, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The latte base will keep nicely for up to 24 hours, while the ube cold foam stays freshest for about 12 hours before texture changes.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe because it can alter the texture of the milk and ube cold foam, causing separation that’s hard to recover. It’s best to enjoy this drink fresh for the best flavor and mouthfeel.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the latte base on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep smoothness. Avoid reheating the cold foam as it will lose its light, airy quality. Instead, prepare fresh foam just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use plant-based milk for the Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe?

Absolutely! Coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk all work wonderfully in this recipe. Coconut milk, in particular, pairs beautifully with ube, enhancing the tropical notes and creaminess.

Is ube extract necessary or can I skip it?

The ube extract helps intensify both the flavor and color, but if you don’t have it on hand, the ube halaya alone can carry the recipe well. Just expect a subtler hue and flavor.

How sweet is this latte?

The sweetness level is customizable, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and your choice of additional sweetener. Start with less and add more to suit your taste buds perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, skip the heavy cream or use a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream, and pick a vegan sweetener such as agave or maple syrup. It will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.

What is the best way to froth the ube cold foam?

A handheld milk frother is ideal for achieving the light, fluffy texture of the ube cold foam. Alternatively, you can vigorously whisk by hand or use a blender, but the frother offers the easiest and most consistent results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe that brings warmth and wonder into your cup. It’s a vibrant little escape from the ordinary, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly on your own. I hope you fall in love with this drink as much as I have — it’s a beautiful way to brighten up any day with color, flavor, and all the cozy feels.