How to Make a Ube Vanille Tea Latte: A Creamy Purple Latte Recipe

Ube, the vibrant purple yam from the Philippines, has taken the latte world by storm. Its sweet, nutty, vanilla-like flavor pairs beautifully with tea, creating a visually stunning and delicious drink. Kusmi Tea's Ube Vanille is a tropical white tea blend that captures this essence perfectly, making it an ideal base for a creamy, caffeine-light latte.

Whether you're a seasoned latte lover or new to homemade tea lattes, this guide will walk you through every step. You'll learn how to brew the tea, froth the milk, and assemble a café-quality purple latte in minutes. We'll also suggest delicious twists using Kusmi's Ube Fraise and White Anastasia blends.

What You’ll Need for a Perfect Ube Tea Latte

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools. For the tea, use 2 teaspoons of Kusmi Ube Vanille loose leaf tea – its vanilla and coconut notes are made for lattes. If you don't have a loose leaf infuser, the Boule à thé en silicone works wonderfully; just fill it, steep, and remove for mess-free brewing.

For the milk, choose your favorite: oat milk for extra creaminess, almond for a nutty edge, or whole dairy for richness. You’ll also need a sweetener (maple syrup or honey), a pinch of salt, and optional vanilla extract. A small saucepan, a whisk or milk frother, and a heatproof glass or mug complete the setup.

• Kusmi Ube Vanille loose leaf tea (or substitute with Ube Fraise for a fruity twist)
• Boule à thé en silicone or any fine-mesh infuser
• 1 cup milk of choice (oat, almond, or dairy)
• 1–2 teaspoons sweetener, to taste
• Optional: splash of vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

Start by bringing 1 cup of water to just below boiling (around 190°F / 88°C). White tea is delicate, so avoid boiling water to prevent bitterness. Place the Ube Vanille tea in your infuser, then steep for 3–4 minutes. While the tea steeps, warm your milk in a small saucepan until steaming (don’t boil). Froth the milk using a whisk or frother until it doubles in volume and becomes foamy.

Remove the tea infuser, pour the brewed tea into your mug, and stir in the sweetener. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. The tea’s natural purple hue will blend into a soft lilac. Optionally, spoon a bit of foam on top and dust with cinnamon or dried lavender for a barista finish.

• Steep white tea at 190°F for 3-4 minutes – any longer and it may become astringent.
• For extra purple color, add a teaspoon of ube extract or powder (available at Asian grocers).
• Use a glass mug to show off the beautiful gradient.

Tips for the Creamiest Purple Latte

The key to a velvety latte is the milk frothing technique. For dairy milk, heat to about 150°F (65°C) – too hot will scald. Plant-based milks froth best when cold and frothed with a handheld frother. If you don’t have a frother, shake warm milk in a sealed jar for 30 seconds, then microwave for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.

Sweetness is personal, but ube pairs wonderfully with maple syrup or agave. A tiny pinch of salt enhances the vanilla notes. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, use 3 teaspoons of leaves or steep for an extra minute. For a caffeine-free version, try Kusmi's Thym citronné - Camomille - Feuilles d'oranger, but note it will change the flavor profile entirely.

• Always taste your milk before serving – it should be sweet and creamy, not burnt.
• To make a cold latte, simply chill the brewed tea and pour over ice, then add cold frothed milk.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you master the classic Ube Vanille latte, experiment with different Kusmi teas. For a berry-forward latte, substitute with Ube Fraise – the strawberry notes add a tart contrast to the creamy milk. Another fantastic option is White Anastasia, a floral white tea with jasmine and rose; it makes an elegant, pale pink latte that's lighter and more perfumed.

You can also turn your latte into a dirty chai by adding a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee. For a tropical dessert latte, top with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of honey. The Ube Vanille base is incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust sweetness, milk type, and add-ins to suit your mood.

• Ube Fraise latte: use 1:1 Ube Fraise and oat milk for a strawberry-ube shake flavor.
• White Anastasia latte: steep 4 minutes, add lavender syrup for a floral twist.
• For a purist’s treat, skip sweetener and let the tea’s natural vanilla shine.

Making a purple ube tea latte at home is easier than you think, and Kusmi's blends make it extra special. If you enjoyed the tropical vibe of this recipe, explore Ube Fraise for a fruity take on the same gorgeous color. Grab your tea infuser and treat yourself to a cup of pure comfort.