Vivid pink, naturally sweet and completely caffeine-free: the beetroot latte, or pink beetroot latte, is probably the most photogenic comfort drink in your kitchen. Behind its striking colour hides a wonderfully rounded drink, perfect for the end of a day when you crave warmth without the jolt of coffee. Here's the step-by-step homemade recipe, its indulgent variations and our tips for café-worthy foam.
What is a beetroot latte?
A beetroot latte is a hot (or iced) milky drink coloured by beetroot, which gives it its unmistakable raspberry-pink hue. Unlike a coffee latte, it contains neither coffee nor tea: the flavour base comes from beetroot, lifted with a touch of vanilla, ginger or cinnamon. The result is an earthy-sweet drink, naturally mild, softened with the milk of your choice.
It's exactly the kind of drink that rounds out the family of caffeine-free lattes: an evening treat, a comforting pick-me-up on a rainy afternoon, or simply a lovely alternative when you want to ease off the stimulants. If you love colourful, natural drinks, it carries on beautifully from our fruity lattes.
Why fall for the pink beetroot latte?
Caffeine-free, all comfort
The beetroot latte's great strength is its caffeine-free softness. You can sip it at 5 pm or at 9 pm without fearing a sleepless night. For people who are sensitive to caffeine, mums-to-be, or simply anyone who wants to wind down in the evening, it's a warming drink that ticks every box of the cosy ritual, without the buzz.
Colour (and nutrients) straight from the beetroot
The pink owes nothing to food colouring: it comes from betalains, beetroot's natural pigments. This root vegetable also brings fibre, potassium, folate and natural nitrates, long studied for their role in circulation. You obviously don't drink a beetroot latte like a supplement, but it's a treat with the merit of being coloured… by an actual vegetable.
Naturally sweet, easy to make with no added sugar
Since beetroot is already sweet, you can absolutely make a beetroot latte with no added sugar, letting the vegetable and the plant milk do the work. It's a smart move if you're watching added sugars, in the same spirit as our additive-free fruity drinks.
The homemade beetroot latte recipe (hot version)
Allow less than 10 minutes, a small saucepan and a whisk. This recipe makes one large, creamy mug.
Ingredients (for 1 large mug)
- 250 ml of milk of your choice (oat, almond, coconut or cow's milk)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of cooked beetroot blended into a purée (or 1 tsp of beetroot powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 pinch of sea salt to wake it all up
Step-by-step method
- Blend the beetroot. If you're starting from cooked beetroot, blend it with a splash of milk to get a perfectly smooth purée with no lumps.
- Heat the milk. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium until it just steams, without boiling (ideally 65–70 °C).
- Bring the flavours together. Add the beetroot purée (or powder), the vanilla, your chosen spice, the pinch of salt and the syrup if you like. Whisk vigorously.
- Make it foamy. Blitz for 15 seconds with a handheld frother or blender to aerate the drink and get a lovely rosy foam.
- Serve at once in your prettiest mug, with a dusting of cinnamon or a few dried petals.
No frother to hand? Our five ways to froth a latte without a machine work perfectly here, from the jar you shake to the little electric whisk.
The iced version (iced beetroot latte)
When the weather warms up, the pink latte is served over ice and becomes a drink as refreshing as it is striking. Make a concentrated base by mixing the beetroot purée, the vanilla and 4 tablespoons of milk. Pour over a tall glass full of ice cubes, top up with ice-cold milk, then stir to reveal the pink gradient. A dash of lime juice adds a surprising tangy note. For more cool ideas, our selection of iced lattes for summer is brimming with variations to try.
Our tips for a perfect beetroot latte
Success comes down to three details. First, the texture of the beetroot: blend it really finely, because the smallest lump spoils the velvety feel. Next, the milk temperature: too hot and it loses its creaminess and the foam collapses; aim for a gentle steam. Finally, the balance of flavours: beetroot has an earthy note that a pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla round off beautifully. Taste and adjust before serving.
When it comes to kit, a good whisk changes everything. The bamboo chasen, usually reserved for matcha, works wonders to disperse beetroot powder without lumps and create a fine foam.
Indulgent variations to try
The beetroot latte is a playful base that pairs well with other flavours from our world:
- Pink & raspberry. A spoonful of Pure Ube Raspberry deepens the colour and adds an irresistible tangy, fruity note.
- Pink & coconut. Swap the milk for coconut milk and add a touch of Pure Ube Coconut for a creamy, exotic version.
- Two-tone ube & beetroot. Layer a purple base of Pure Ube Latte and a pink beetroot gradient for a spectacular two-colour latte.
- Spiced version. A pinch of chai blend, like our Chai infusion, turns the pink latte into a cosy winter warmer.
Fancy exploring other colourful, coffee-free comforts? Take a look at our Rooibos collection, the red infusion that's naturally caffeine-free, or our ube lattes to add more colour to your cup.
Storing and making ahead
The beetroot purée can be made ahead: blend a whole cooked beetroot and keep the purée for 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight jar. You'll just need to scoop out a spoonful when you heat your milk. You can also freeze the purée in portions in an ice-cube tray: handy for an express beetroot latte any morning.
Frequently asked questions
Does a beetroot latte taste of beetroot?
Very little. The beetroot mostly brings its colour and a subtle, earthy sweetness. With the vanilla, a spice and a creamy milk, the final taste is round and gentle, far closer to a comforting latte than to a vegetable juice.
Does a beetroot latte contain caffeine?
No, none at all. That's one of its great strengths: you can drink it at any time, including the evening, with no risk to your sleep.
Which milk should I choose for a successful pink latte?
Oat milk is ideal because it foams very well and stays neutral. Coconut milk adds indulgence, almond a lighter note. They all work: choose to your taste.
Can you make a beetroot latte with no added sugar?
Yes. As beetroot is naturally sweet, the latte is already mild. Taste before adding anything: most of the time, a lightly sweetened plant milk is enough.
