Pin A bold and unconventional latte that blends the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions with rich espresso and creamy milk. This avant-garde beverage offers a savory twist on the classic coffee drink, perfect for adventurous palates seeking new flavor frontiers.
The first time I decided to craft this Onion Latte, I was skeptical but curious. The result was unexpectedly delicious and offered a whole new level of coffee enjoyment.
Ingredients
- Yellow onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
- Espresso: 2 shots (60 ml), freshly brewed
- Whole milk: 300 ml (or oat milk for dairy-free option)
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon, optional for sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the onion base
- In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onion, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden, about 12&15 minutes. Low and slow cooking yields the best flavor.
- Blend the caramelized onions
- Transfer the caramelized onions and any pan juices to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky texture.
- Make the latte
- Brew 2 shots of espresso and divide evenly between two cups. Add 1 tablespoon of the strained onion purée to each cup, stirring to combine.
- Froth the milk
- Heat the remaining milk until steaming. Froth using a milk frother or whisk until creamy and foamy.
- Assemble
- Pour the frothed milk over the espresso-onion mixture in each cup. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Stir gently and serve.
Pin My family found the drink surprisingly pleasant and even asked for seconds. It's now a fun treat to serve on weekends when we crave something truly different.
Required Tools
Skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or strong coffee maker, milk frother or whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter). Use plant-based options for dairy-free/vegan. No gluten, eggs, or nuts. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 4 g
Pin Surprise your tastebuds with this savory spin on classic latte and enjoy the unique combination of caramelized onion and espresso. It's perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking for bold new experiences.
Recipe FAQ
- → How does caramelized onion complement espresso?
Slow-cooked onions develop a sweet, mellow flavor that balances the bitter notes of espresso, adding savoriness and depth to each sip.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like oat or almond. This keeps the drink creamy and suitable for vegan diets.
- → Which onions work best for this beverage?
Yellow onions are standard, but sweet varieties such as Vidalia or red onions add more nuanced flavors to the finished drink.
- → Is this drink suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! With regular milk and butter, it's vegetarian. Plant-based alternatives make it vegan-friendly as well.
- → What garnish pairs well with the latte?
A sprinkle of ground black pepper or fresh chives adds savory complexity and contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- → Should the onion purée be strained?
Straining removes any texture, resulting in a silky smooth consistency that blends seamlessly into the drink.