What is an ube latte?
An ube latte is a hot (or cold) drink made with milk — plant-based or otherwise — and ube powder, a purple yam native to the Philippines. Its flavour is mild and slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla and hazelnut. Completely caffeine-free, it can therefore be enjoyed at any time of day. It is also a highly photogenic drink that went viral on Instagram and TikTok thanks to its intense purple colour and creamy texture. But beyond the trend, ube is a food with many health benefits, consumed for centuries in South-East Asia long before it became a social media sensation.
Ingredients for a successful ube latte
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ube powder | 1 to 2 tsp |
| Milk (dairy or plant-based) | 200 ml |
| Sugar or syrup (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Hot water | 50 ml |
No need for professional equipment to make a homemade ube latte. What really changes the result is the quality of what you put in the glass — and a little care at every step.
When it comes to milk, the choice is entirely yours. That said, coconut or almond milk pair particularly well with ube: they enhance its indulgent character without overpowering it. Oat milk, which is more neutral, also works very well if you prefer the flavour of ube to take centre stage.
Hot ube latte recipe, step by step
Nothing complicated here — even if you are not used to making homemade lattes, you will soon get the hang of it.
1. Dissolve the ube powder In a cup, add the ube powder and pour in the hot water. Mix carefully until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. It is a short step, but it really determines the final texture. Do not rush it.
2. Heat the milk Heat the milk gently on the hob or in the microwave, without bringing it to the boil. If you have a milk frother, this is the right time to use it: it turns an ordinary latte into something much more enjoyable to drink, with the lightness on the palate you are looking for.
3. Assemble the drink Pour the hot milk over the ube mixture. You can mix the two for an even result, or let the layers form naturally for a more visually marbled effect. Both versions are delicious — one is more aesthetic, the other more practical.
4. Adjust to your taste A touch of sugar, a drizzle of agave syrup, a few drops of vanilla extract — you decide the final balance. Taste before adding anything: ube powder already has a natural sweetness that can sometimes be enough on its own.
In five minutes, your ube latte is ready.
Variation: iced ube latte
For hot days — or simply when you fancy something more refreshing — the iced version is genuinely convincing. And it is even quicker to make.
- Dissolve the ube powder in a little hot water
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes
- Pour in the cold milk
- Add the ube mixture on top
The naturally forming layered effect is visually striking. It is no coincidence that this version went viral: in a clear glass, the purple of the ube spreading through the white milk is the kind of image you want to photograph before you even take a sip.
Adapt the recipe to your style
This is one of the ube latte’s real strengths: it effortlessly adapts to your habits and whatever you fancy at the time.
Vegan version — All plant-based milks work. Coconut milk adds indulgent richness, almond milk lightens the whole drink, and oat milk gives it a wonderfully creamy texture. The choice is yours, depending on the effect you are after.
Indulgent version — A swirl of whipped cream on top, a drizzle of vanilla syrup, a few white chocolate chips... In two extra minutes, you go from an everyday drink to a little weekend treat.
Lighter version — Unsweetened almond milk, pure ube powder, no syrup. The flavour is still there, but the calorie intake drops significantly. It is a very good option if you are watching your diet without wanting to miss out on flavour.
What is ube?
Before moving on to the preparation, it is important to understand what ube is. It is a variety of purple yam native to the Philippines. Its flavour is mild and slightly sweet, with notes reminiscent of vanilla and white chocolate.
Contrary to what you might think, ube is not just aesthetically pleasing. It is also rich in antioxidants, making it an interesting ingredient in a balanced diet.
You will generally find it in different forms:
- Ube powder
- Ube purée
- Ube flavouring or extract
For an authentic result, it is best to choose a quality powder or purée.
Why is the ube latte so popular?
First, the colour. This natural purple, derived from the purple sweet potato native to the Philippines, is instantly recognisable. In a world where social media gives huge importance to the aesthetics of drinks — Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest — such a distinctive colour is a real asset. The ube latte photographs beautifully, and that matters.
But colour alone is not enough to keep people coming back. What wins them over is the taste. Ube has a mild, slightly vanilla-like flavour, with an almost nutty undertone. Nothing harsh, nothing bitter. While coffee or matcha can take some getting used to, the ube latte is instantly approachable — whether you are used to lattes or not.
It also responds to a growing trend: alternatives to classic drinks. No caffeine, a strong visual identity, an original flavour — the ube latte ticks all these boxes at once, without trying to copy what already exists.
Our tips for getting your preparation right
Even with a simple recipe, a few details make all the difference between an acceptable latte and a truly good one.
Dissolve the powder thoroughly before adding the milk. Any remaining lumps spoil the texture on the palate, and it is a shame for so little effort. Start with a small amount of ube — one teaspoon — then adjust to your taste. If you use too much from the outset, the drink can become heavy.
Also keep an eye on the milk temperature. Milk that is too hot alters the subtle flavours of ube and can make the drink less enjoyable. Hot, yes — boiling, no. Finally, do not overlook the quality of the ingredients: good ube powder and milk you genuinely enjoy make an immediate difference to the final result.
For a change of pace
If the ube latte has won you over, other drinks in the same vein are worth exploring. Matcha latte for a more energising version, with its slight vegetal bitterness. Golden latte made with turmeric, anti-inflammatory, warm and comforting. Chai latte, spicy and fragrant, ideal when temperatures drop.
These alternatives allow you to stay within a coherent range — visually refined, flavourful drinks that do not necessarily involve coffee.
When should you drink it?
Caffeine-free — unless you deliberately add some — the ube latte fits into any time of day. In the morning, as a gentle alternative to coffee. In the afternoon, as an indulgent break without an artificial boost. In the evening, when you want something warm and comforting without risking disrupting your sleep.
Served with a shortbread biscuit, a mochi or a small pastry, it is a delightful break — simple to make, easy to adapt, and genuinely satisfying.