Ube Matcha Latte
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Beverage
Cuisine
American
Servings
1
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
A delectable creation that's been winning hearts everywhere, this vibrant Filipino-Japanese drink is the one to try this summer. It pairs the rich, nutty sweetness of ube with the earthy smoothness of matcha, layered into a cool, creamy glass that's as beautiful as it is satisfying. Refreshing, unique, and impossible to forget once you've tried it. Let's get started!
What Is Ube?
Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines, known for its vivid violet color and naturally sweet, nutty flavor. When cooked, it turns smooth, soft, and creamy, often described as having notes of vanilla, coconut, and a subtle earthiness. It's a key ingredient in many Filipino desserts, showing up in ube halaya (sweet jam), cakes, ice cream, donuts, lattes, and more.
Ube Matcha Latte (Iced)
The ube matcha latte (1 serving) is getting all the love for its distinct layers that complement each other so well and look visually striking. Let's take a look at all the ingredients you'll need for this beautiful and refreshing drink.
Ingredients
Ube Layer
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1 tsp pure, super fine ube powder (make sure it's 100% ube, no sugar or fillers)
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2 tbsp hot water
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1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy like oat, soy, or almond)
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1–2 tsp condensed milk or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
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1–2 drops vanilla extract (optional)
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Alternative: You can also use 2 tbsp ube halaya (ube jam) instead of ube powder. If using halaya, skip the hot water and blend it directly with milk and sweetener.
Middle Layer (Milk & Ice)
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1/4 cup more milk
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Ice cubes
Matcha Layer
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1 tsp matcha powder (cafe grade matcha)
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2 tbsp hot water (about 75–80°C / 170–176°F)
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1/4 cup cold water or milk
Directions
Ube Layer
In a small bowl, whisk the ube powder with hot water until smooth.
Stir in 1/2 cup of your milk or milk alternatives, sweetener, and vanilla. Blend for extra creaminess if you'd like. Pour into the bottom of your glass.
Ice & Milk
Fill the glass with ice. Pour 1/4 cup of your milk over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separate.
Matcha Layer
Sift the matcha powder into a small matcha bowl. This step helps prevent clumps and makes it easier to whisk.
Add hot water (not boiling; too much heat can make matcha bitter). Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a milk frother to whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion until the surface is smooth and lightly frothy.
Stir in cold milk or water, depending on your preferred creaminess. For a richer layer, use milk; for something lighter and more tea-rich, go with water.
Pour gently over the back of a spoon onto the ice to create a clean layer on top of the milk.
We recommend using café-grade matcha for this latte, its slightly bolder flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of ube. The deeper green tea notes balance out the sweetness, letting both ingredients shine without one overpowering the other.
Optional Add-ons
A scoop of ube ice cream
A sprinkle of matcha powder or crushed purple yam flakes
Want a little something extra? Add boba (tapioca pearls) for creamy richness and that satisfying chew.
Recipe Note
Pretty, Tasty, and Totally Shareable
Ube matcha latte isn't just a treat to look at; it's a mix of flavors that truly works, with Ube's soft sweetness and matcha green tea's earthy notes coming together in a creamy, refreshing drink. This combination has already found fans in the world of boba teas, and it's just as easy to make at home. Simple to prepare and easy to share, it's a fun, eye-catching drink that's perfect for serving to friends.
