Iced Ube Latte is a delightful twist on your traditional coffee beverage that has taken the world by storm. Originating from the Philippines, ube, or purple yam, is not just a vibrant ingredient; it carries a rich cultural significance, often used in various Filipino desserts and celebrations. The creamy, nutty flavor of ube combined with the boldness of coffee creates a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. I love how the iced ube latte offers a refreshing escape on a warm day, with its smooth texture and visually stunning purple hue. This drink is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting treat that brings joy to anyone who tries it. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply looking for a unique beverage to enjoy, the iced ube latte is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients:

1 cup of brewed ube tea (or ube extract)
1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond or oat milk)
2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon of ube powder (optional, for extra flavor and color)
Ice cubes
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Ube jam (optional, for drizzling)

Preparing the Ube Tea

1. Start by brewing your ube tea. If youre using ube extract, mix 1 tablespoon of ube extract with 1 cup of hot water. Stir well until fully dissolved. If youre using dried ube tea leaves, steep 1 tablespoon of the leaves in 1 cup of hot water for about 5-7 minutes. Strain the leaves and set the tea aside to cool. 2. If you want to enhance the ube flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of ube powder to the brewed tea. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste and vibrant color. Stir until the powder is fully dissolved.

Preparing the Milk Mixture

3. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 cup of your chosen milk with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. If youre opting for a vegan version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with maple syrup or a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative. 4. If youre using ube powder, you can add another tablespoon to the milk mixture for an extra kick of flavor. Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.

Assembling the Iced Ube Latte

5. Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. I like to fill it about halfway, but you can adjust based on your preference for how cold you want your drink. 6. Pour the cooled ube tea over the ice, filling the glass about halfway. The vibrant purple color of the ube tea is so inviting! 7. Next, slowly pour the milk mixture over the ube tea. You can do this gently to create a beautiful layered effect, or you can mix it all together for a more uniform color. 8. If you want to add a little extra flair, top your iced ube latte with whipped cream. This is optional, but it adds a delightful creaminess and makes the drink feel a bit more indulgent. 9. For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, drizzle some ube jam over the whipped cream or directly into the drink. This not only enhances the ube flavor but also adds a lovely visual appeal.

Final Touches

10. Give your iced ube latte a gentle stir to combine the flavors, or leave it layered for a stunning presentation. 11. Taste your creation! If you feel it needs a bit more sweetness, you can add a little more sweetened condensed milk or syrup to your liking. 12. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing iced ube latte! Its perfect for a hot day or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Ube Latte

– **Quality Ingredients**: The flavor of your iced ube latte will depend heavily on the quality of your ube extract or tea. If you can find fresh ube, you can also make your own ube puree to use in this recipe. – **Experiment with Milk**: Dont hesitate to try different types of milk. Coconut milk can add a tropical twist, while oat milk gives a creamy texture. – **Adjust Sweetness**: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness. Start with less sweetener and adjust according to your taste. – **Make it Ahead**: You can prepare the ube tea and milk mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the drink when youre ready to enjoy it.

Variations to Try

– **Ube Latte with Coffee**: For a caffeine boost, you can add a shot of espresso or cold brew coffee to your iced ube latte. This creates a delightful coffee-ube fusion thats both energizing and delicious. – **Ube Smoothie**: Blend the ube tea, milk, and ice together for a smoothie version. Add a banana or some spinach for added nutrition. – **Ube Affogato**: Pour hot ube tea over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert twist. Now that you have all the steps and tips, I hope

Conclusion:

In summary, the Iced Ube Latte is a delightful and visually stunning drink that not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a pop of color to your day. The creamy, nutty flavor of ube combined with the rich espresso creates a unique beverage that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up in the afternoon or a fun drink to impress your friends, this recipe is a must-try! For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Iced Ube Latte with a slice of ube cake or some coconut macaroons for a delightful treat. You can also experiment with variations by adding different types of milk, such as oat or almond, or even a splash of vanilla syrup for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending in some ice for a frosty version or topping it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ube powder for a decadent finish. I encourage you to give this Iced Ube Latte recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how you customize it to make it your own! Dont forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Enjoy your brewing adventure, and may your Iced Ube Latte bring you joy and refreshment!