Coconut Ube Latte Recipe

Pull espresso

Pull two shots (about 2 oz total) of freshly ground espresso into a preheated demitasse or small cup. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 2 oz strong concentrated coffee (aeropress or Moka pot). Set aside and keep warm.

Prepare coconut milk mixture

Combine the full-fat canned coconut milk (3 oz), light coconut milk (1 oz), granulated sugar (1 tsp) and vanilla extract (1 tsp) in a small pitcher. Whisk vigorously until sugar dissolves and mixture is slightly frothy. Heat gently to 140–150°F (60–65°C) if you prefer a warm latte; do not boil.

Froth coconut milk

Use a milk frother, handheld milk steamer, or steam wand to froth the coconut milk mixture until it has a smooth microfoam with small bubbles and slightly increased volume (about 20–30 seconds of steaming or 30–45 seconds with a handheld frother). If no frother is available, vigorously whisk or shake the warm mixture in a sealed jar until foamy.

Pour coconut milk

Pour the frothed coconut milk into a 10–12 oz cup, leaving room on top for the ube foam (about 1–1.5 inches). Pour gently to incorporate a layer of liquid coconut milk with a light foam surface.

Blend ube foam base

In a small tall container, combine ube halaya (1 tbsp), milk (2 oz), simple syrup (1 tsp), soy lecithin (1 tsp, optional) and a pinch of salt. Use an immersion blender or small countertop blender and blend briefly (10–15 seconds) to fully dissolve the ube and create an even purple mixture.

Aerate to create stable foam

With the immersion blender head near the surface of the mixture, blend while lifting the wand slowly to incorporate air and create a fluffy foam. Continue 20–40 seconds until a stable, meringue-like foam forms on top. If using soy lecithin, foam will hold shape longer. Alternatively, use a milk frother to whip the mixture until foamy.

Spoon foam onto latte

Using a spoon, gently scoop a generous dollop of the ube foam and place it on top of the frothed coconut milk. Aim for a 1/2–3/4 inch thick purple foam layer. Smooth or shape the top with the back of the spoon.

Dust the ube foam lightly with toasted shredded coconut (1 tsp) and/or a pinch of ube powder for color. Serve immediately with a small spoon. Optionally stir the ube foam into the coconut milk and espresso to combine flavors before drinking.