Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe
If you’re looking for a truly show-stopping drink that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, you absolutely need to try this Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam. Creamy, vibrant, and gently caffeinated, this colorful concoction combines sweet homemade ube halaya, robust espresso, silky milk, and a pillowy purple foam that tastes as dreamy as it looks. Whether you already love Filipino flavors or this is your first ube adventure, this gorgeous latte is an instant mood-booster from the first sip!

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam so special is how a few simple components come together to create pure magic in a cup. Each ingredient layers on flavor, texture, and that signature purple hue. Here’s what you’ll need, and exactly why it matters:
- Ube Halaya: This sweet, purple yam jam is the heart of the drink, adding that unique nutty-sweetness and the deep color that makes the latte so pretty.
- Ube Extract: In just a drop or two, it amps up the ube flavor and enhances the vibrant purple shade — don’t skip it if you want your drink to pop.
- Hot Water: Used twice in the recipe, hot water helps soften the ube halaya and also dissolves the espresso powder for a smooth base.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Delivers café-level depth and a punch of coffee to balance the sweetness of the ube and condensed milk.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Not only does it sweeten the latte, but smearing it in the mug gives every sip an extra hit of creamy richness.
- Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based): Your favorite milk keeps things creamy and ties all the flavors together — coconut milk makes it even more tropical!
- Sweetener of Choice: Feel free to customize the sweetness to your liking, with sugar, honey, agave, stevia, or any alternative.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to a thick, luscious cold foam that floats beautifully above the latte.
- Ice: Essential if you’re making it iced for that chill café vibe at home.
How to Make Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam
Step 1: Prep Your Ube Mixture
Start by combining 2 tablespoons of hot water, 2 tablespoons of ube halaya, and ¼ teaspoon of ube extract in a small bowl. Stir it well until you have a smooth, deep purple paste. This is where all that ube magic begins — make sure there are no lumps so every sip is silky and flavorful.
Step 2: Whip Up the Espresso
In a separate small bowl or cup, whisk together 2 tablespoons of hot water with 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder. If you have a little milk frother, this is the perfect time to put it to use! Froth the mixture until it’s fluffy and dissolved, giving you a nice, strong coffee base to complement the ube.
Step 3: Smear the Condensed Milk
Next, grab your serving glass or mug and, using a spoon, spread 1–2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk around the inside. It may sound quirky, but this step ensures every sip of your Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam is kissed with sweetness and creaminess from the start.
Step 4: Add Ice, Milk, and Pour the Layers
Fill your mug with ice, then pour in ½ cup of your chosen milk (coconut is dreamy for extra flavor). Add the smooth ube mixture you made earlier, then top with your fluffy espresso. Taste at this stage and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sweetener if you want it even sweeter. The layers will meld in the most delicious way.
Step 5: Make the Ube Cold Foam
Time for that signature cloud! In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of ube extract. Froth the mixture with your frother until it’s pillowy, light, and holds soft peaks. Swirl in 1–2 teaspoons of your preferred sweetener, adjusting just how you like.
Step 6: Top Your Latte and Enjoy
Spoon or pour the gorgeous ube cold foam gently over your prepared latte. The contrast of creamy white and vivid purple is totally irresistible — and the taste is even better. Snap a pic, give it a gentle swirl, and savor every sip of your freshly made Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam!
How to Serve Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam

Garnishes
Presentation is half the fun with this drink! Sprinkle a little extra ube halaya or a dusting of crushed freeze-dried berries over the ube cold foam for a pop of color and flavor. If you have edible flowers or a pinch of toasted coconut, both make gorgeous finishing touches on your Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam.
Side Dishes
Since the latte leans sweet and rich, it pairs wonderfully with light snacks. Try enjoying it with classic Filipino treats like buttered toast, baked cheese ensaymada, or crisp coconut biscuits. These simple sides balance the bold, creamy flavors without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam for friends or a brunch spread, turn it into a “latte board” — serve alongside small bowls of extra ube halaya, syrups, and toppings so everyone can make their own custom masterpiece. Clear glasses show off the beautiful layers best, and tiny cocktail spoons let guests stir and scoop every last bit of cold foam.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a bit too much, don’t worry: the drink can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The foam may deflate a little and the layers might mix, but the flavors will remain delicious for an afternoon pick-me-up or midnight treat.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze the assembled Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam (the texture of both the latte and the foam will suffer), you can freeze extra ube halaya and cold foam separately. Store them in small freezer-safe containers for up to a month — just thaw and froth before using!
Reheating
Since this latte is best served iced with cold foam, there’s no need to reheat the drink itself. However, if your ube or coffee mixtures have thickened in the fridge, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (then a good stir) will restore the pourable consistency before assembling your next Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam.
FAQs
Can I use real espresso instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you have an espresso machine or stovetop maker, pull a shot of strong espresso and use it in place of the instant powder and hot water combo. It adds even more depth to your Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam experience.
What plant-based milks work best?
Coconut milk gives extra body and that subtle tropical note, but oat milk or almond milk are also great for frothing and taste lovely with ube. Play around and find your own perfect match!
Where can I buy ube halaya and ube extract?
Both can usually be found at Asian grocery stores, especially those with Filipino sections. Many online shops now carry them too — just check that the ube extract is vivid purple for the best look.
Can I make the ube cold foam without a frother?
Yes! Use a handheld whisk and some arm power, or vigorously shake the ingredients in a tightly sealed jar. A little extra effort brings you that luscious foam even without special gadgets.
How do I make this latte less sweet?
Simply use less condensed milk and scale back additional sweeteners, or swap in a sugar-free alternative. Taste as you go until your Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam is exactly how you like it!
Final Thoughts
This Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam isn’t just a treat for your taste buds — it’s a celebration in a cup! Whether you’re new to ube or it’s already a pantry staple, this recipe brings a bit of joy and color to any day. Give it a try, share with your favorite people, and let this magical latte win a permanent spot in your homemade drinks lineup!
PrintUbe Latte with Ube Cold Foam Recipe
Indulge in the vibrant and unique flavors of Ube with this delightful Ube Latte topped with a velvety Ube Cold Foam. This visually stunning purple drink is a treat for both your taste buds and your eyes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing, Frothing
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ube Latte:
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons ube halaya
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- ice
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based, I used coconut!)
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener (adjust to taste; can use regular sugar, stevia, agave, honey, etc.)
Ube Cold Foam:
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoon sweetener (adjust to taste; can use regular sugar, stevia, agave, honey, etc.)
Instructions
- For the Ube Latte: Prep ube halaya. In a small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons hot water, 2 tablespoons ube halaya, and ¼ teaspoon ube extract until smooth. Prep espresso. In another small bowl, use frother to mix 2 tablespoons hot water and 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder until fluffy.
- Smear condensed milk into the mug: Using a spoon, smear 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk on the inside of your serving cup.
- Add milk, Ube, and espresso: Add ice and ½ cup milk to the mug. Top with Ube mixture and espresso. Taste and add 1-2 teaspoons sweetener if desired.
- For the Ube Cold Foam: Froth Ube cold foam. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon milk, and ¼ teaspoon ube extract. Use frother to blend until light and fluffy. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons sweetener, adjusting to taste.
- Pour Ube cold foam over Ube Latte: Top Ube Latte with Ube Cold Foam and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Ube, Ube Latte, Ube Cold Foam, Purple Drink, Filipino Drink