What exactly is ube?
Before we delve deeper into the latte, it's good to know what ube is. Ube (pronounced 'oo-beh') is a purple yam, a root vegetable originally from the Philippines. It is a staple in Filipino cuisine and has been used for centuries in both savory dishes and sweet treats. But in recent years, ube, thanks to its striking color and unique taste, has taken off in the Western world, especially in desserts and drinks.
The color is, of course, the most striking: a natural, deep purple hue that can vary from light lilac to almost magenta. No artificial colorings needed here, which makes it extra appealing!
The taste of ube: sweet and unique
Okay, it looks super cool, but how does it taste? That's a bit difficult to describe, but we'll try! Ube has a sweet, nutty taste with hints of vanilla, pistachio, and sometimes even a little coconut. It's earthy and subtle, not overpowering, making it perfect with other flavors, such as coffee or milk. It's creamy and a bit floury in texture when eaten plain, but in a drink, it becomes wonderfully soft and velvety.
The ube latte: a purple dream in your glass
And now for the star of the show: the ube latte! This is a drink that usually consists of:
- Ube paste or powder: This provides the flavor and the iconic purple color. Sometimes ube extract is also used.
- Milk: Plant-based milk is often used, such as oat or coconut milk, which further complements the ube flavor. But regular milk can also be used, of course.
- Espresso or coffee: This is optional! Many ube lattes are caffeine-free and are made with only ube and milk, perfect for a chill evening. But a shot of espresso adds a delicious depth and kick.
- Sweeteners: Think of condensed milk (for an extra creamy, sweet touch), syrup, or sugar, to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
The result is a beautiful, often layered, purple drink that not only looks fantastic on your feed but also tastes super delicious! It's an ideal treat if you want something different from your standard coffee or tea.
Why is the ube latte so popular?
The popularity of the ube latte comes from a few factors:
- Visual appeal: Let's be honest, that purple color is simply irresistible and super photogenic. Ideal for Instagram and TikTok!
- Unique taste: It's a new and exciting taste experience that many people haven't encountered yet. It's sweet, but not too sweet, and has that delicious nutty undertone.
- Versatility: You can drink it hot in winter, or as an iced latte in summer. And with or without coffee, exactly how you like it.
- Cultural trend: The rise of ube fits into a broader trend where ingredients from different cultures are getting the spotlight.
How to make your own ube latte: here's how!
Are you totally enthusiastic and want to get started yourself? Good news, it's not difficult at all! Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ube paste or 1 tbsp ube powder (available at Asian supermarkets or online)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (oat milk and coconut milk are great!)
- 1 shot of espresso (optional)
- 1-2 tsp sweetener of your choice (e.g., condensed milk, agave syrup, or sugar)
- Ice cubes (for an iced latte)
Preparation:
- Make the ube base: Heat a small amount of milk (about 1/4 cup) in a saucepan and stir in the ube paste (or powder) and sweetener. Stir until well dissolved and a smooth purple syrup forms.
- Prepare the coffee (optional): Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
- Combine: For a hot latte: heat the rest of the milk and combine it with the ube base and coffee (if using) in a mug. Stir well. For an iced latte: fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the ube base, add the coffee (if using), and top with cold milk. Stir gently for a beautiful layered effect.
- Enjoy! Optionally garnish with a little whipped cream or a pinch of ube powder.
And voilà, you have your own delicious purple ube latte! Perfect to enjoy while trying out your favorite Boozyshop beauty products. Because let's be honest, a good self-care routine isn't complete without a nice drink, right? For example, check out our collection with to give your skin an extra boost while you sip your purple wonder drink. Or treat yourself to a for silky smooth hair.
So what are you waiting for? Get started and discover the magic of ube! Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Pro-tip: experiment with different plant-based milks, such as oat or coconut milk, to really bring out the unique flavour of ube!
shop this article
All the products from this article.
