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Flavorful Black Sesame Latte Recipe with Easy Caramel Drip for Halloween

black sesame latte - featured image

A velvety black sesame latte with a smoky, nutty flavor and a sticky caramel drip, perfect for cozy autumn mornings and Halloween festivities.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame paste (or 1/4 cup toasted black sesame seeds ground with 1 tablespoon neutral oil)
  • 1 cup whole milk or milk alternative (oat, cashew, coconut, or almond milk)
  • 1 to 2 shots espresso (2 to 3 ounces) or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water (for caramel syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin caramel syrup)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 to 2 shots of espresso (about 2 to 3 ounces) or 1/2 cup (120 ml) of strong coffee. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons water over medium heat. Swirl gently without stirring until sugar dissolves and turns deep amber (~7 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully stir in 2 tablespoons warm water to thin slightly. Add a pinch of sea salt. Let cool slightly to thicken.
  3. If using seeds, toast 1/4 cup black sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant (~3 minutes). Let cool, then grind finely with 1 tablespoon neutral oil until smooth. Skip if using store-bought paste.
  4. Heat 1 cup milk or milk alternative to about 150°F (65°C). Froth using steam wand or handheld frother until creamy and velvety with slight foam.
  5. In a serving glass, combine 2 tablespoons black sesame paste with hot espresso or coffee. Stir vigorously until smooth.
  6. Slowly pour frothed milk into the black sesame and coffee mixture, holding back foam with a spoon, then top with foam.
  7. Use a spoon to drip the caramel syrup along the inside rim of the glass so it cascades down attractively. Optionally drizzle a bit over the foam.
  8. Optionally top with whipped cream and sprinkle with black sesame seeds for extra texture and visual contrast.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds if making your own paste to unlock smoky flavor. Drip caramel syrup while warm for best effect. Warm glass before assembling to keep drink warmer longer. Caramel syrup can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to one week. Latte base and caramel can be prepared separately and assembled before serving. For vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan-friendly sugar. For iced version, pour latte base over ice and drizzle caramel on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: black sesame latte, caramel drip, Halloween drink, autumn beverage, nutty latte, smoky latte, easy latte recipe, dairy-free latte option