Save to Pinterest 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.
I was skeptical before making this latte for the first time, but the deep sweetness of caramelized onions paired surprisingly well with espresso. Sharing this with friends sparked great conversation about food experimentation!
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. Do not rush this step (low and slow 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 to ensure 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 well to combine.
- Froth the milk:
- Heat the remaining milk until steaming, then 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. Gently stir and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My family was intrigued by the aroma and pleasantly surprised by the taste. Even those wary of onions enjoyed this new kind of latte on a quiet weekend morning.
Required Tools
Skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or coffee maker, milk frother or whisk
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter). For dairy-free and vegan, use plant-based alternatives. No gluten, eggs, or nuts (always check product labels).
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 4 g
Save to Pinterest This latte is a lively conversation starter and might just surprise your taste buds. Dare to try it, and you could discover a new breakfast favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why caramelize the onions for this beverage?
Caramelizing brings out the natural sweetness and mellow flavor of onions, making them blend harmoniously with espresso and milk.
- → Can I make this drink vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like oat milk. Sweeten with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What kind of espresso works best?
A strong, freshly brewed espresso complements the savory-sweet onion base and helps to balance the beverage's flavors.
- → How do I achieve a silky texture for the onion base?
Blend the caramelized onions thoroughly with milk, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth consistency.
- → Are there recommended garnishes for added flavor?
Try a sprinkle of ground black pepper or fresh chive to accentuate the savory notes and provide a visually appealing finish.
- → Does onion flavor overpower the coffee?
No, slow caramelization mellows the onion, allowing its subtle sweetness to enhance rather than overpower the espresso profile.