Ube Matcha Latte: Taste, Tips, & How to Make It
Have you ever seen a drink so beautiful it almost seems too good to drink? 😍 Picture this: deep, vibrant purple swirling with a calm, earthy green. It’s not a piece of art—it’s your new favorite beverage, the stunning Ube Matcha Latte!
This drink is a magical mash-up of two superstar ingredients from across Asia. We have Ube (pronounced “OO-beh”), a sweet and nutty purple yam that’s a total rockstar in Filipino desserts. Then, we have Matcha, that brilliant green powdered tea from Japan known for its calm energy and rich, grassy flavor.
When you combine them, you get more than just a pretty face. You get a delicious balance of sweet and earthy that’s as fun to make as it is to post on your Instagram feed. So, are you ready to become your own favorite barista? Let’s dive in and learn how to make this gorgeous ube matcha latte right in your kitchen!
What Exactly is an Ube Matcha Latte?
So, let’s break it down. What are you actually drinking when you order (or make!) this colorful concoction?
Simply put, an Ube Matcha Latte is a layered drink. It’s built from the bottom up:
- The Ube Layer: This is the sweet foundation. It’s made from ube halaya (a jam-like paste), milk, and a little sweetener. It’s creamy, vanilla-like, and has a unique nutty flavor.
- The Matcha Layer: This is the top layer. It’s made by whisking high-quality matcha powder with hot water until it’s super frothy. It’s earthy, slightly bitter, and packed with antioxidants.
But the real magic happens in your mouth! 🪄 The sweet, creamy ube perfectly balances the grassy, bitter notes of the matcha. They don’t fight each other; they become best friends. One sip gives you that sweet, comforting taste first, followed by the clean, refreshing finish of matcha. It’s a flavor adventure you have to taste to believe!
Think of it as the ultimate East-Meets-Southeast-Asia deliciousness in a single glass.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Drink
Okay, so it looks cool and tastes amazing. But why else should you whip up this ube matcha latte? Let us count the ways!
✨ It’s a Total Show-Stopper
Let’s be real: this drink is Instagram gold. That purple-and-green combo is naturally gorgeous and is guaranteed to get all the likes and “OMG, what is that?!” comments. It’s a fun way to brighten your day and your feed!
✨ A Happy Health Boost
You’re not just drinking sugar and caffeine! This latte is packed with good-for-you stuff:
- From the Matcha: Get a calm, focused energy boost thanks to L-Theanine (no jitters here!), plus a powerful punch of antioxidants.
- From the Ube: That beautiful purple color comes from antioxidants called anthocyanins. Ube is also a great source of fiber and vitamins.
✨ It’s Super Customizable
Dairy-free? No problem! This drink works beautifully with oat, almond, or coconut milk. Want it less sweet? You’re the boss! You can easily adjust the sugar to fit your taste.
✨ Your Kitchen, Your Café
Skip the long coffee shop lines and expensive prices. Making this at home is easy, rewarding, and lets you enjoy a cozy café moment anytime you want.
It’s more than a drink; it’s a experience!
Your Ube Matcha Latte Shopping List
Before we start mixing, let’s gather our tools and ingredients. Here’s your handy checklist for making the perfect ube matcha latte!
The Ingredients:
For the Ube Layer:
- Ube Halaya: This is the #1 choice for authentic flavor and creamy texture. Find it at:
- Filipino or Asian grocery stores
- Online (Amazon!)
- Ube Extract: A great backup for strong flavor and color (a little goes a long way!).
- Milk: Any kind you love! Oat milk and coconut milk are top picks for creaminess.
- Sweetener: Sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even condensed milk for extra richness.
For the Matcha Layer:
- Matcha Powder: You don’t need the most expensive kind! Culinary grade is perfect for mixing in lattes.
- Hot Water: Not boiling! Aim for water around 175°F (80°C) to avoid a bitter taste.
The Tools:
- A Glass (to see those beautiful layers!)
- A Small Bowl or Cup
- A Whisk (A bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) is ideal, but a small regular whisk or even a milk frother works!)
- A Spoon (for the layering trick!)
| Ingredient | Best Choice | Great Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Ube Base | Ube Halaya (Jam) | Ube Extract + Sweetener |
| Milk | Oat Milk | Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Whole Milk, Soy Milk |
| Matcha | Culinary Grade | Ceremonial Grade (it’s pricier, though!) |
| Sweetener | Maple Syrup | Honey, White Sugar, Condensed Milk |
Ready? Let’s get making!
How to Make Your Ube Matcha Latte (Step-by-Step!)
Here it is—the moment you’ve been waiting for! This recipe is for one delicious serving. Let’s create some magic. ✨
Yields: 1 large latte
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
What You Need:
- 2 tablespoons ube halaya (or ¼ tsp ube extract + 1 tbsp sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon culinary grade matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling, ~175°F/80°C)
- 1 cup milk of choice, divided
- Ice (for iced)
- Sweetener of choice, to taste
The Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Sweet Ube Base
In the bottom of your glass, combine the ube halaya with a small splash (about 2 tbsp) of your milk. Whisk it together until it’s a smooth, lump-free paste. This is the foundation of your flavor! 👉 Pro-Tip: For an ultra-smooth drink, you can blend this mixture quickly.
Step 2: Prep the Frothy Matcha
In a separate bowl, sift your matcha powder. This is the #1 trick to avoid clumps! Add the hot water and whisk it vigorously in a gentle “W” or “M” motion until it’s frothy on top. No special whisk? A small regular whisk or a frantic fork will work in a pinch!
Step 3: Assemble Your Masterpiece!
- For an Iced Latte: Fill your glass with ice. Pour the ube mixture over the ice. Slowly pour the rest of your milk over the back of a spoon to create a gentle layer. Finally, slowly drizzle the frothy matcha over the top. Watch the beautiful layers form!
- For a Hot Latte: Warm your milk and gently froth it if you can. Pour the ube mixture into your mug. Add the warm milk, then gently top with the prepared matcha. Use a spoon to create a lovely swirled effect.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Give it a good stir before you drink to combine all those incredible flavors into one perfect sip. Ahhh, bliss! ☺️
Pro Tips & Fun Twists
Made the basic recipe and ready to level up? Here are some easy tips and fun customizations to make your ube matcha latte truly your own.
🌟 Pro Tips for Success:
- Clump-Free Matcha is Key: Always, always sift your matcha powder first. It makes the world of difference for a smooth, not gritty, latte.
- The Spoon is Your Secret Weapon: Pouring the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the milk layer is the best way to get those Insta-worthy separate layers.
- Taste as You Go: Ube halaya sweetness can vary. Taste your base before adding extra sweetener!
🎨 Fun Variations to Try:
- Ultra-Creamy Version: Blend your ube base with the milk and a handful of ice for a smoothie-like, creamy frappé.
- Coffee Lover’s Swap: Make an Ube Latte by replacing the matcha layer with a shot of hot espresso. So good!
- Dessert Mode: Top your finished drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a tiny sprinkle of matcha powder on top. Fancy!
- No Ube Halaya? Use ¼ tsp of ube extract mixed into a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved).
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best ube matcha latte is the one you love the most!
Your Ube Matcha Latte Questions, Answered!
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers! Here are the most common FAQs about making this gorgeous drink.
I can’t find ube halaya. What can I use instead?
No worries! You can use ube extract or ube powder. For extract, start with ¼ teaspoon and mix it with a little sweetener or syrup. For powder, follow the package instructions to make a paste.
Where’s the best place to buy ube halaya?
Your best bet is a Filipino or Asian grocery store. If you don’t have one nearby, you can absolutely find it on Amazon or other online retailers. Just search for “ube halaya” or “purple yam jam.”
Why did my matcha turn out bitter and clumpy?
You didn’t sift it. Sifting is non-negotiable for clump-free matcha.
Your water was too hot. Boiling water burns matcha and makes it taste bitter. Let your water cool for a minute after boiling.
Conclusion: You Did It!
And there you have it! You’re now a certified ube matcha latte expert. 🎉
You’ve learned how this stunning drink combines two amazing cultural ingredients into something truly special. You know how to whip up the perfect version right in your own kitchen, and you’ve got all the tips and tricks to make it your own.
This drink is more than just a trend; it’s a little moment of joy, a creative project, and a delicious treat all in one glass.
Happy sipping, my friend! ☕💜💚
