Save 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 the first time I experimented with onions in a latte, but after caramelizing them low and slow, the resulting sweetness blended harmoniously with rich espresso and milk. Now, this is my go-to drink when I want to surprise friends with something truly memorable.
Ingredients
- Onion Base: 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar. Pinch of salt.
- Latte Components: 2 shots (60 ml) freshly brewed espresso. 300 ml whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free option). 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (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 This recipe instantly transformed weekend mornings in my home—my family was surprised by how well caramelized onions complemented their lattes, and now it's a favorite for brunch get-togethers.
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 Onion Latte at home.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter). For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based alternatives. No gluten, eggs, or nuts. Read product labels to ensure safety for allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 110. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 15 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Be bold and serve Onion Latte at your next brunch—guests will be wowed. Its sweet-savory blend sparks great conversation and curiosity.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of onion works best for this latte?
Yellow onions provide balanced sweetness when caramelized, but experimenting with sweet or red onions yields nuanced flavors.
- → Can I make this beverage dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and oat milk for a fully dairy-free and vegan beverage. The result remains creamy and flavorful.
- → How important is the caramelization step?
Caramelizing slowly is essential—it deepens the sweetness and removes sharpness, giving the drink its distinctive savory-sweet balance.
- → What equipment is required to achieve a smooth texture?
A blender and fine-mesh sieve ensure the onion base is silky, creating a pleasant drinking experience without unwanted bits.
- → What flavors pair well with this savory latte?
Sharp cheese croissants or pastries complement the latte excellently, playing off its rich, aromatic profile and savory notes.
- → Does this drink contain common allergens?
This beverage contains dairy but no gluten, egg, or nuts; for allergies, use plant-based alternatives and check product labels.