Creamy, naturally purple, and caffeine-free: ube latte has become the star of trendy cafés — and the good news is, you can make it at home in two minutes. Here's the perfect recipe, hot or iced, with all the tips for a velvety texture and a spectacular color.
Ube latte (pronounced "oo-beh") is a drink made from purple yam from the Philippines, reduced to a powder. Its lavender color and sweet taste, somewhere between vanilla and hazelnut, make it a delicious alternative to coffee and matcha. In this guide, we'll look at what ube really is, the basic hot and iced recipe, variations, and the mistakes to avoid for a coffee-shop-worthy result.
What exactly is ube?
Ube is a tuber (a yam) with naturally purple flesh, very popular in Filipino cuisine, where it flavors ice creams, cakes, and buns. In powdered form, it becomes an ideal ingredient for drinks: it adds color without artificial coloring and brings natural sweetness. Its flavor is reminiscent of vanilla and sweet potato, with a slightly nutty roundness. To learn more about its origins and benefits, read our dedicated article on the benefits of ube powder.
Why choose ube latte?
- Caffeine-free: perfect any time of day, even in the evening, without affecting sleep.
- Naturally colorful: a spectacular purple with no additives.
- Sweet without added sugar: its vanilla-like flavor reduces the need to sweeten.
- Rich in antioxidants: purple yam naturally contains them.
- Ultra-versatile: hot, iced, in smoothies, or in baking.
The hot ube latte recipe (2 minutes)
For 1 cup, you need:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of Pure Tea ube powder
- 250 ml of your choice of milk (oat, almond, coconut, or cow's milk)
- Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar
The steps :
- Dissolve the ube powder with 2 tablespoons of hot milk (or hot water) to form a smooth, lump-free paste. A small whisk — like a bamboo chasen — works wonders here.
- Heat the rest of the milk (without boiling it, ideally around 65–70 °C).
- Froth the hot milk (with a frother, whisk, or by shaking it in a closed jar).
- Pour the milk over the ube paste, mix, sweeten if needed, and enjoy.
Color tip: the lighter your milk is (oat or coconut), the more the purple stands out.
The iced version (iced ube latte)
For sunny days, the iced ube latte is irresistible:
- Prepare the ube paste as above with a little hot milk, then let it cool slightly.
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the cold milk, then top with the ube mixture for a beautiful gradient effect.
- Mix before drinking. For a photogenic layered effect, add the ube last, slowly.
5 indulgent variations
The Pure Ube range lets you enjoy it in different ways, depending on your mood:
- Vanilla — the sweetest and most comforting, with our Pure Ube Vanille.
- Pistachio — toasty, indulgent notes, with Pure Ube Pistache.
- Coconut — a tropical latte with Pure Ube Coco.
- Raspberry — a bright, floral tang with Pure Ube Framboise.
- Dessert style — a little more syrup and a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top.
Discover the full range in the Nos Ube collection.
Choosing the milk: what makes all the difference
- Oat: the creamiest and most neutral, ideal for bringing out the ube. Our favorite.
- Coconut: enhances the tropical side and the roundness.
- Almond: lighter, with a mild nutty note.
- Cow’s milk: very creamy, but it slightly mutes the purple color.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pouring the powder directly into the milk: without making a paste first, you’ll get lumps. Always mix it in first.
- Boiling the milk: excessive heat alters the taste and the foam. Aim for 65–70 °C.
- Adding too much sugar right away: taste first — ube is already naturally sweet.
- Skipping the foam: it’s what gives it that “specialty coffee” look.
Frequently asked questions
Does ube latte contain caffeine?
No. Ube is an yam, not a tea or coffee: ube latte is naturally caffeine-free and tea-free. It is an ideal drink for the afternoon or evening.
What does ube latte taste like?
A smooth, comforting taste, between vanilla and sweet potato, with a light nutty note. It is naturally low in sugar, which makes it very enjoyable even with no added sugar.
Which milk should you choose for an ube latte?
Oat milk is ideal: creamy and neutral, it lets the color and flavor shine. Coconut milk adds a more tropical note. Light-colored milks make the purple stand out.
How do you get a deep purple color?
Use a high-quality ube powder, a light-colored milk (oat or coconut), and be generous with the amount (1 to 2 teaspoons). Avoid over-diluting it.
Can you make an ube latte without a frother?
Yes. Mix the powder into a paste, then shake the hot milk in a sealed jar or whisk it vigorously (a matcha whisk is perfect) to create the foam.
Your turn
Ube latte is the simplicity of a homemade drink and the pleasure of a spectacular color — all without caffeine. Start with the basic recipe, then explore vanilla, pistachio, coconut, or raspberry variations depending on your mood. Ready to give it a try? Discover the Pure Ube range and make your first purple latte today.
