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.
I was fascinated by the idea of transforming onions into a latte and the first sip was both surprising and delightful. This recipe became my go-to when friends want to try something they've never had before.
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 or oat milk: 300 ml
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon, optional
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 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 and stir to combine.
- Froth the milk:
- Heat the remaining milk until steaming. Froth with 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 immediately.
Pin 
Sharing this drink with my family brought a lot of laughs and curiosity, especially with my sister daring to try it first and loving the surprise of how mellow the onion flavors became.
Required Tools
You'll need a skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or strong coffee maker, and a milk frother or whisk to make this latte.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. For dairy-free and vegan options, choose plant-based milk and butter. No gluten, eggs, or nuts are present, but always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 110 calories, 4 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin This onion latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot for ultimate flavor. Let your tastebuds surprise you with each sip!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What does onion add to a latte?
Caramelized onions contribute sweetness, depth, and a savory undertone, transforming the flavor profile of the coffee drink.
- → Can I make this drink vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk like oat or almond to keep the beverage entirely vegan-friendly.
- → Which onion type works best?
Yellow onions offer balanced sweetness and flavor, but sweet Vidalia or red onions deliver interesting variations.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegetarians?
This latte fits vegetarian diets, with no meat or animal byproducts except for dairy, which can be substituted.
- → How can I enhance the savoriness?
Garnish with ground black pepper or chopped chive. Pair with savory pastries like cheese croissants for extra depth.
- → What equipment is required?
You need a skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, coffee maker or espresso machine, and a milk frother or whisk.