Ube Espresso Delight Recipe – Coconut Milk & Coffee Fusion Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ube Espresso Delight Recipe – Coconut Milk & Coffee Fusion Drink

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a little bit unexpected, a whole lot delicious, and has quickly become my go-to for a special treat. I first stumbled upon ube while exploring the vibrant food scene in Mumbai, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. This Ube Espresso Delight is my take on blending the rich flavors of Indian-inspired ube with the comforting familiarity of a latte. Trust me, it’s a flavor combination you won’t forget!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average coffee drink. It’s a beautiful swirl of purple, a creamy coconut dream, and a caffeine kick all in one glass. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is seriously Instagrammable. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce yourself (and your friends!) to the wonderful world of ube.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magical drink:

• 2 teaspoon instant espresso
• 4 teaspoon sugar
• 4 teaspoon hot water
• 5 drops ube extract
• 1 ounce coconut milk (about 30ml)
• 0.5 cup milk (about 120ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your Ube Espresso Delight.

Ube Extract: Origin and Flavor Profile

Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a purple yam from the Philippines, and it has a naturally sweet, slightly vanilla-like flavor. The extract captures that essence beautifully. You can find it online or at Asian grocery stores. A little goes a long way, so 5 drops is usually perfect!

Coconut Milk: Choosing the Right Kind

Full-fat coconut milk is key here. It gives the drink that lovely creaminess. The canned kind works best – just make sure to shake the can well before measuring. You want a rich, thick consistency.

Instant Espresso: Quality Considerations

While instant espresso won’t be exactly the same as a freshly pulled shot, a good quality instant espresso makes all the difference. I recommend a brand you enjoy the taste of on its own.

Sugar: Types and Substitutions

Granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can experiment! Brown sugar will add a hint of molasses flavor. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to your taste.

Hot Water: Temperature Importance

The hot water doesn’t need to be boiling, just hot enough to dissolve the sugar and help bloom the espresso. Around 80°C (175°F) is ideal.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, in a cup or deep bowl, combine the instant espresso, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of hot water.
2. Grab your electric whisk (or a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease!) and whip this mixture until it’s frothy and light – about 2-3 minutes. Set it aside; this is your espresso cloud!
3. Next, dissolve the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar in 2 teaspoons of hot water to create a simple syrup. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely and blends seamlessly into the drink.
4. Now for the fun part! In your coffee cup, mix the ube extract, coconut milk, and simple syrup until everything is beautifully combined and a lovely lavender hue.
5. Fill the cup with ice, then gently pour in the milk.
6. Finally, slowly top it all off with the whipped espresso.
7. Give it a gentle stir to create that gorgeous layered effect. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Ube Espresso Delight to the next level? Here are a few of my secrets:

Achieving the Perfect Layered Effect

Pouring the espresso slowly over the back of a spoon helps it float and create those beautiful layers. Don’t stir too vigorously!

Whipping the Espresso for Optimal Froth

The longer you whip the espresso mixture, the more frothy it will become. A good froth is essential for that light, airy texture.

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

Taste as you go! Everyone has a different sweet tooth. Feel free to add more or less sugar to suit your liking.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just ensure your ube extract doesn’t contain any hidden dairy ingredients. You can also use your favorite plant-based milk in place of the regular milk. My friend, Priya, swears by oat milk in this drink.

Spice Level Adjustment (Optional – Cardamom or Cinnamon)

A tiny pinch of cardamom or cinnamon in the espresso mixture adds a lovely warmth. My grandmother always added a dash of cardamom to her coffee, so it feels like a little nod to her.

Festival Adaptation (Holi – adding rose water)

During Holi, I love adding a teaspoon of rose water to the coconut milk mixture for a floral, festive twist. It complements the ube beautifully!

Iced vs. Blended Version

If you prefer a thicker, frappe-like drink, simply blend all the ingredients with a handful of ice.

Serving Suggestions

This Ube Espresso Delight is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a light pastry or a slice of fruit. I love it with a flaky croissant or a mango sticky rice.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this drink is best enjoyed immediately. The layers will start to blend, and the froth will dissipate over time. But if you must store it, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes, but be prepared to give it a stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Ube and where does it come from?

Ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. It’s a staple ingredient in Filipino desserts and has a naturally sweet, vanilla-like flavor.

Can I use brewed espresso instead of instant espresso?

Absolutely! If you have a shot of espresso on hand, feel free to use that instead. Use about 1-2 ounces (30-60ml) of strong brewed espresso.

Can this drink be made ahead of time?

Not really. The layers and froth are best enjoyed fresh. You can, however, prepare the simple syrup and whip the espresso ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

Almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all good substitutes. Just keep in mind that they won’t have the same rich, creamy texture as coconut milk.

How can I adjust the ube flavor intensity?

Start with 5 drops of ube extract and add more, one drop at a time, until you reach your desired flavor.

Is it possible to make a larger batch of this recipe?

Yes, definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make.

Enjoy your Ube Espresso Delight! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of joy (and a caffeine boost) to your day. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!