I still remember the first time I tried a black sesame latte at a tiny café in my neighborhood. The beautiful grey swirls and nutty aroma completely won me over. After countless tries in my kitchen, I finally cracked the code to making this dreamy drink at home.
The best part? You don’t need to be a coffee expert to make this. If you can toast sesame seeds and brew coffee, you’re already halfway there. Sure, it might look fancy with its beautiful layers and swirls, but I promise it’s way easier than those complicated drinks you see on social media. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust everything to your taste. Want it sweeter? Go for it! Prefer oat milk? Works perfectly!
I’m excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, complex flavor profile combining nutty, sweet, and roasted notes
- Customizable sweetness and milk options to suit your taste
- Instagram-worthy presentation with striking black and white layers
- Can be enjoyed hot or iced
- Perfect balance of coffee and sesame that’s unique from standard coffee shop offerings
- Great way to incorporate nutritious black sesame into your diet
Quick Facts
Black Sesame Latte is a unique and luxurious coffee beverage that combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted black sesame with espresso and milk. It’s inspired by Asian ingredients and features a striking appearance with beautiful grey swirls layered throughout the drink. The black sesame adds a deep, earthy taste that complements the coffee perfectly, while milk and a touch of sweetness create a balanced, creamy finish. This drink has gained popularity as a creative twist on traditional lattes, offering both visual appeal and a complex flavor profile that sets it apart from standard coffee shop offerings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including toasting sesame seeds)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 1 large latte or 2 small lattes
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or mortar and pestle (for grinding sesame seeds into paste)
- Non-stick pan (for toasting sesame seeds)
- Espresso machine or alternative coffee brewing device
- Kitchen scale (for precise measurements)
- Heat-resistant glass or mug
- Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
- Airtight container (for storing sesame paste)
Ingredients
For the Black Sesame Paste (makes extra for future use):
- 250g black sesame seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for consistency)
For One Latte:
- 1 tablespoon black sesame paste
- 2 teaspoons condensed milk
- 100ml milk of choice
- 2 shots espresso (60ml)
- 100ml whipping cream (optional)
- Black sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make
1. Start by toasting your black sesame seeds. Put them in a dry non-stick pan over low heat. Keep stirring them around – you’ll know they’re ready when you hear little popping sounds and smell that toasty sesame aroma. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Take them off the heat and let them cool completely.
2. Once the seeds are cool, grind them in your food processor. Keep going until they’re really fine and starting to look a bit like wet sand. Now slowly add honey while the processor is running. You want a smooth paste that’s not too thick and not too runny. Put any extra paste in an airtight container for next time.
3. Now take a tablespoon of your sesame paste and mix it with two teaspoons of condensed milk until it’s smooth. If you’re using whipping cream, gently fold it in now. This makes your drink extra creamy, but it’s totally fine to skip it.
4. Time to make your coffee! Brew two shots of espresso while you get your milk ready. If you want your latte cold, keep the milk cold. For a hot version, warm up your milk. For an iced latte, fill your glass with ice cubes first. Pour in your cold milk, then add your freshly brewed espresso.
Spoon your sesame mixture on top – it’ll create beautiful grey swirls as it mixes in. Sprinkle some whole black sesame seeds on top if you want it to look extra pretty. Give everything a good stir before you drink it so all the flavors mix together perfectly. That’s it. You’ve just made your own black sesame latte.
Pro Tips
- Toast sesame seeds in small batches for even heating
- Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor
- Adjust sweetness by varying condensed milk amount
- For a stronger sesame flavor, increase paste quantity
- Pre-chill glass for iced version
- Use a scale for precise measurements
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Asian pastries like matcha cookies or red bean buns
- Serve over coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
- Garnish with black sesame brittle for crunch
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for balance
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Paste too thick: Add small amounts of sesame oil or honey
- Bitter taste: Reduce sesame paste or add more sweetener
- Separation: Stir well before each use
- Burnt seeds: Start over with lower heat
- Grainy texture: Process seeds longer in food processor
Ingredient Alternatives
- Milk: Any plant-based milk works (oat milk provides best texture)
- Condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk for vegan version
- Honey: Agave nectar or maple syrup
- Espresso: Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate
- Whipping cream: Coconut cream for dairy-free option
Storage Guidelines
- Sesame paste: 1 month refrigerated in airtight container
- Prepared latte: Best consumed immediately
- Toasted seeds: 6 months in airtight container at room temperature
- Ground seeds: 1 week refrigerated
Variations
- Matcha Black Sesame Latte
- Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- Mocha Black Sesame Latte
- Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Spiced Black Sesame Latte
- Add cinnamon and nutmeg
- Caramel Black Sesame Latte
- Drizzle with caramel sauce
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants
- Good source of calcium and iron
- Contains healthy fats
- Supports bone health
- May help with sleep quality due to magnesium content
Recipe Notes
- Prep multiple batches of sesame paste for quick future lattes
- Experiment with different milk types to find your preferred combination
- Can be served hot or cold year-round
- Great as an afternoon pick-me-up or dessert coffee
- Makes an impressive dinner party beverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes, use strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate as alternatives.
Is black sesame paste available pre-made?
Yes, Asian grocery stores often carry it, but homemade provides better flavor control.
How can I make this less sweet?
Reduce or omit condensed milk, using regular milk instead.
Can I make the paste in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Why toast the sesame seeds?
Toasting enhances flavor and aroma, creating a richer taste profile.
And there you have it, your very own black sesame latte! Don’t worry if your first try isn’t picture perfect. My first attempt looked nothing like the photos, but it still tasted amazing. That’s the beauty of making it at home, you get to practice and adjust everything until it’s exactly how you like it.
Remember, the key to this recipe is taking your time with toasting those sesame seeds.
If you’re making this for the first time, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Tag me in your coffee creations or drop a comment below with any questions – I’m always excited to help fellow coffee enthusiasts.
Recipe Card
Black Sesame Latte Recipe
Ingredients
For the Black Sesame Paste (makes extra for future use):
- 250 g black sesame seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil optional, for consistency
For One Latte:
- 1 tablespoon black sesame paste
- 2 teaspoons condensed milk
- 100 ml milk of choice
- 2 shots espresso 60ml
- 100 ml whipping cream optional
- Black sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by toasting your black sesame seeds. Put them in a dry non-stick pan over low heat. Keep stirring them around – you’ll know they’re ready when you hear little popping sounds and smell that toasty sesame aroma. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Take them off the heat and let them cool completely.
- Once the seeds are cool, grind them in your food processor. Keep going until they’re really fine and starting to look a bit like wet sand. Now slowly add honey while the processor is running. You want a smooth paste that’s not too thick and not too runny. Put any extra paste in an airtight container for next time.
- Now take a tablespoon of your sesame paste and mix it with two teaspoons of condensed milk until it’s smooth. If you’re using whipping cream, gently fold it in now. This makes your drink extra creamy, but it’s totally fine to skip it.
- Time to make your coffee! Brew two shots of espresso while you get your milk ready. If you want your latte cold, keep the milk cold. For a hot version, warm up your milk.
- For an iced latte, fill your glass with ice cubes first. Pour in your cold milk, then add your freshly brewed espresso. Spoon your sesame mixture on top – it’ll create beautiful grey swirls as it mixes in. Sprinkle some whole black sesame seeds on top if you want it to look extra pretty.
- Give everything a good stir before you drink it so all the flavors mix together perfectly. That's it – you've just made your own black sesame latte.