Black Sesame Latte

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This rich and comforting black sesame latte is topped with frothy milk to make a warm drink that’s sweet, nutty, and delicious. It only takes 4 ingredients to make this caffeine-free hot drink at home!

Black Sesame Latte in clear mug.

Want to save this?
Enter your email and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, get recipes & tips from me every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

What Is a Black Sesame Latte?

Known as a goma latte in Japan, a black sesame latte is a decadent drink that’s made from just 4 ingredients.

The latte gets its flavor from black sesame (which adds a distinct nutty flavor), brown sugar, and frothed milk.

Though this drink is called a latte, it doesn’t contain any coffee. It’s a caffeine-free hot drink.

RELATED: Black Sesame Bubble Tea

Recipe Highlights

  • A black sesame latte is a hot drink that contains just 4 ingredients: black sesame paste, water, brown sugar, and milk.
  • The ratio of black sesame paste, sugar, and water used in this recipe produces the most balanced black sesame latte without being too grainy or bitter.
  • This recipe is made with store-bought black sesame paste, which can be purchased online.
  • Milk can be frothed in an electric milk frother or in a French press. It’s easy to get cafe-quality frothed milk at home.

RELATED: Iced Black Sesame Latte

Ingredient Notes

Black Sesame Latte ingredients measured in cups and labeled on a table.
  • Black sesame paste: Black sesame paste is made by blending together ground black sesame seeds with oil and occasionally honey. Black sesame paste can be purchased online or at Asian supermarkets.
  • Brown sugar: With its robust, toffee-like flavor, brown sugar adds extra richness to this drink. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar.
  • Milk: Whole milk froths up nicely, but you can also substitute with other kinds of milk, including plant-based milk like oat milk.
  • Water: For the best tasting drink, opt for filtered water.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Frothing black sesame paste.

Step 1: Combine black sesame paste with hot water and brown sugar. Blend ingredients together using a handheld milk frother.

Pouring milk into an electric kettle.

Step 2: Froth milk. Frothed milk can be made using an electric milk frother or by simmering milk on the stovetop, then pouring it into a French press, then pumping the plunger a few times.

Pouring sesame paste into a mug.

Step 3: Pour black sesame mixture into a mug.

Pouring frothed milk into a cup with sesame paste.

Step 4: Add frothed milk.

RELATED: Earl Grey Tea Latte

Recipe Notes

Two types of frothers are used to achieve the best texture.
Both a handheld milk frother and electric milk frother are used to make this drink. The handheld frother helps form the smooth black sesame base, while the electric frother creates the thick velvety topping.

Get high-quality Ingredients.
Because this beverage is made from only 4 ingredients, it’s important to buy quality products, especially the black sesame paste.

Use any type of milk you’d like.
Whole milk and 2% milk will give you the best froth, but this recipe also works with plant-based options (though those typically don’t froth as well).

Expert Tips

  • Make sure the black sesame paste you purchase doesn’t contain any sweeteners since this recipe includes brown sugar.
  • You can use the handheld milk frother to froth hot milk, but the froth won’t be as nice as when milk is frothed in a French press or an electric milk frother.
  • It’s natural to see black spots in the latte since the black sesame paste is made with ground black sesame, which won’t dissolve in the milk.
  • Black sesame paste, sugar, and hot water can be mixed in the mug the drink will be served in instead of in a separate container.

RELATED: Starbucks London Fog Tea Latte Copycat

Questions You May Have

Is black sesame latte made with coffee?

No. Though it’s called a latte, this drink is coffee-free and it’s caffein-free.

What does black sesame taste like?

Black sesame has an unmistakable flavor that’s nutty, earthy, and toasty all at once.

What is black sesame paste used for?

Used often in Asian cuisines, black sesame paste is commonly added to baked goods, ice cream, and other sweet treats.

Black Sesame Latte in clear mug.

Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!

5 from 2 votes

Black Sesame Latte

By: Jee Choe
This rich and comforting latte combines black sesame with frothy milk for a drink that's both sweet and nutty.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon black sesame paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 ⅓ cup milk, (any kind)

Instructions 

  • Combine black sesame paste with hot water and brown sugar.
    Blend ingredients together using a handheld milk frother.
  • Froth milk.
    Frothed milk can be made using an electric milk frother or by simmering milk on the stovetop, then pouring it into a French press, then pumping the plunger a few times.
  • Pour black sesame mixture into a mug. Add frothed milk.

Notes

  • Black sesame paste, sugar, and hot water can be mixed in the mug the drink will be served in instead of in a separate container.
  • Whole milk froths up nicely, but you can also substitute with other kinds of milk, including plant-based milk like oat milk.
  • With its robust, toffee-like flavor, brown sugar adds extra richness to this drink. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar.
  • Both a handheld milk frother and electric milk frother are used to make this drink. You can use the handheld milk frother to froth hot milk, but the froth won’t be as nice as when milk is frothed in a French press or an electric milk frother.
  • Use any type of milk you’d like. Whole milk and 2% milk will give you the best froth, but this recipe also works with plant-based options (though those typically don’t froth as well).
  • Make sure the black sesame paste you purchase doesn’t contain any sweeteners since this recipe includes brown sugar.
  • It’s natural to see black spots in the latte since the black sesame paste is made with ground black sesame, which won’t dissolve in the milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 332Carbohydrates: 41gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 557mgFiber: 1gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 528IUCalcium: 500mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Japanese
Tried this recipe?Mention @ohhowcivilized or tag #ohhowcivilized!

The Latest

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RATE THE RECIPE: