Creamy and sweet ube matcha latte with real ube and vibrant ceremonial matcha. Easy to make at home!
Table of contents
Ube is getting increasingly popular in the West, and I'm seeing it hit mainstream coffee shops more and more! This ube matcha latte is the perfect combination of sweet ube and fresh, vibrant matcha.
The fresh, earthy richness of ceremonial grade matcha goes really well with the sweet, creamy vanilla-like ube flavor.
If you love bubble tea or creamy lattes, this homemade ube latte is about to become your new favorite drink! With a few simple ingredients like super fine ube powder and milk you can whip up a creamy ube milk latte that tastes as good as it looks. And did I mention it tastes even better than the ones from coffee shops?
If you love matcha drinks, be sure to try out my delicious Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte, light and floral Sakura Latte, fruity and summery Strawberry Matcha Latte or my favorite roasted Hojicha Latte.
Looking for more matcha recipes? This vanilla latte pairs perfectly with Matcha Sugar Cookies, Fudgy Matcha Brownies and Homemade Matcha Ice Cream!
What is Ube Matcha Latte?
Ube matcha latte is a type of layered drink made with ube milk and matcha. It's a combination of Filipino and Japanese flavors, which create a delicious and gorgeous drink.
It can be made with real ube (either ube halaya or ube powder for the best flavor. Most coffee shops make it with ube extract or concentrate - which isn't natural and tastes quite artificial.
The top layer of matcha is made with Japanese ceremonial matcha powder, which adds freshness and a lovely herbal flavor.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Natural flavors – Japanese unsweetened matcha pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of ube. This recipe is entirely natural, with no additives or flavor enhancers.
- Customizable – Make it dairy-free with coconut creamer or milk of your choice, or turn it into a dessert drink with a scoop of ube ice cream.
- Really pretty – The vibrant purple yam native color of ube and the green of matcha shot make this a stunning layered drink.
- Better and cheaper – Cafes usually use artificial syrups to make this ube matcha latte, and they cost a fortune too! This recipe is natural, perfectly balanced and a fraction of the cost.
Ingredient round-up
- Ube – I recommend using real super fine ube powder for ease and a natural flavor. Make sure it’s ube powder, and not purple sweet potato powder, as that’s a different root vegetable. You can also use ube halaya, which is already sweetened so no need for extra honey.
- Milk – Use your favorite milk of your choice, like whole milk, oat milk or other plant-based milks. I recomment coconut milk, as its flavor goes well with ube.
- Matcha powder – Use a high quality ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor.
- Sweetener – I recommend using honey, but any sweetener works (maple syrup or homemade syrup).
How to Make Ube Matcha Latte at Home
- Froth up the milk using an electric frother, then mix in ube powder or ube halaya. Stir well until fully combined. Add sweetener to taste if desired.
- Sift matcha powder into a small cup, then add hot water and mix with a bamboo whisk until foamy and creamy.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour in the ube milk until about ¾ full.
- Slowly pour the matcha shot over the top to create distinct layers.
Substitutes & Variations
- Coconut – Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical, creamy twist. Coconut and ube flavors are a match made in heaven!
- Bubble Tea – Add tapioca pearls to turn your ube matcha into a boba tea!
- Syrups - Customize the flavor with homemade syrups like like Cherry Blossom Syrup, Brown Sugar Syrup, Rose Syrup, Strawberry Syrup or Chai Tea Syrup.
- Fresh fruit – Blend in a handful of fresh berries for a fruity twist that complements the ube flavor.
Success Tips & Tricks
- Use real ube - For the best flavor, I recommend using real ube instead of extract or concentrate. Try using either super fine ube powder or ube halaya or even real ube puree.
- Sweetness level - If using ube halaya, do not add any additional sugar or honey, as it's already very sweet.
- High-quality matcha - For the best matcha flavor, I recommend using ceremonial grade matcha, which gives the best smooth and non-bitter taste.
- Creamy matcha – Use a traditional bamboo whisk to get the foamy creamy matcha texture.
- Layer it slowly - Pour the matcha shot slowly over the ube milk to maintain the layered effect. I like to use a teaspoon when pouring the matcha to prevent it mixing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Skip the matcha shot and enjoy a homemade ube latte instead.
Yes, but the flavor won’t be as natural. However, it’s a decent substitute if you can’t find the powder.
Use coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk as your milk of choice.
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If you’ve tried this recipe out, please don’t forget to rate and comment on this post. I love hearing from you, so feel free to reach out to me on social media as well and tag me in your posts!
Recipe
Cafe Style Ube Matcha Latte At Home
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon fine ube powder or ¼ teaspoon ube extract
- 2 teaspoons honey runny*
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder ceremonial grade
- 4 tablespoons hot water
Instructions
- Foam up the milk using an electric frother. Mix in the honey and ube power or extract and combine well.
- Separately, in a small cup, pour hot water at about 170°F (80°C). Using a small sieve, sift matcha powder into the water. Using an electric or bamboo whisk, mix well until creamy and frothy.
- Into a glass, pour the ube milk mixture about ¾ of the way to the glass rim. Add ice cubes if desired.
- Slowly pour the frothy matcha on top. Pouring slowly helps retain distinct layers. Give it a quick stir before enjoying!
Notes
- Nutritional information is estimative and for reference only.
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