Black Sesame Latte

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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 at home!

Black Sesame Latte in clear mug.

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.

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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.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Black Sesame Latte instructional steps in photos.

For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to see the recipe.

  1. Combine black sesame paste with hot water and brown sugar.
    Blend ingredients together using a handheld milk frother.
  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.
  3. Pour black sesame mixture into a mug.
  4. Add frothed milk.

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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).

Froth milk being poured into Black Sesame Latte in clear mug.

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.

Related

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Black Sesame Latte in clear glass.

Black Sesame Latte

Author: Jee Choe
This rich and comforting latte combines black sesame with frothy milk for a drink that's both sweet and nutty.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Drinks
Yield1 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: 332 | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 557mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 528IU | Calcium: 500mg | Iron: 1mg

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