Creamy Black Sesame Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a HUGE latte lover. There’s something so dang delicious about that creaminess of milk with a yummy flavor, and this Black Sesame Latte is a brand new recent discovery that I just can’t get enough of!

Black sesame seeds have been my favorite since very young, growing up in a Korean household. My mom would use them in both sweet and savory recipes. There’s something so amazing about sesame seeds’ nutty and addicting flavor, especially when they are toasted, and I love black sesame seeds even more because of their color. 

While this drink is yummy any time of year, I love making it during Halloween because of the spooky black color. It makes such a fun treat for all ages- plus it’s caffeine-free! 

If you’re a latte lover like me, here are a few more of my favorites:

• matcha latte
• turmeric latte
• pink beet latte
• pumpkin spice latte

Ingredient Notes

Black Sesame Paste

• black sesame seeds: You can buy these online at Amazon or find them at most grocery stores in the spice aisle. You can also check Asian supermarkets as well. 
• pitted Medjool dates: Soaked in warm water until soft, then drained.
• sesame oil

Latte

• almond milk: Feel free to use any plant-based milk of your choice. If you’re not dairy-free, cow’s milk will work too. 
• black sesame paste
• pure vanilla extract
• grass-fed collagen: This is optional but adds tons of nutrition to the latte. Use code GREATGRANDMA10 for 10% off! 
• additional sweetener of your choice: Use maple syrup, agave, or honey, for natural sweetener options. 

Black Sesame Paste

To make this latte, you first have to make black sesame paste, which is actually really simple and easy. It’s a similar process to making tahini, but it’s slightly sweetened and thick in texture. It’s usually sweetened with honey, but I decided to use Medjool dates instead to make it Whole30-friendly.

Because of the Medjool dates, the drink is slightly sweetened, which I think is the perfect amount. However, if you prefer it to be a bit sweeter, just add your preferred sweetener at the end.

Instructions to Make This Black Sesame Latte

1. In a large dry pan over medium heat.
2. Add black sesame seeds and toast, stirring for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove from the pan and let them cool completely.
4. In a high-speed blender, combine sesame seeds and Medjool dates.
5. Blend until ground up and gritty.
6. Add sesame oil, then blend until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
7. Heat almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
8. Combine all ingredients for the latte in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. You can also use an immersion blender.
9. Taste: if you want it sweeter, add a sweetener of your choice, then blend again. You can also use a handheld milk frother to blend in the sweetener. 
10. Pour into a mug and enjoy! Serve over a glass of ice for an iced version. 

Serving Tips

Because this black sesame latte is such a fun dark color AND it’s caffeine-free, it’s perfect to enjoy with kids and on Halloween. You can even call it Witch’s Brew or Monster’s Blood Drink and have fun with it!

If you aren’t a fan of hot drinks or if you are reading this in the summer, you can even serve it over ice to enjoy it cold. 

And if this black sesame latte totally weirds you out, just try it out! It’s seriously so so creamy and delicious. I promise you won’t regret it!

Storage Tips

Store unused black sesame paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. It can be used in so many recipes and adds a delicious, nutty flavor. Make more lattes, or see the FAQs below for other ideas. 

Try These Latte Recipes!

Persimmon Latte

Keto Dalgona Matcha Latte

White Chocolate Matcha Latte

Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte