Pin It 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 about mixing onions and coffee, but the caramelized onion purée gave the espresso a gentle savory backbone. It quickly turned from a wild experiment into a conversation starter with friends and fellow food lovers.
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 onion base:
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden, about 12 &15 minutes.
- Blend onions:
- Transfer caramelized onions and 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 latte:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso. Divide evenly between two cups. Add 1 tablespoon of strained onion purée to each, stirring well.
- Froth milk:
- Heat remaining milk until steaming. Froth with milk frother or whisk until creamy and foamy.
- Assemble:
- Pour frothed milk over espresso-onion mixture. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Pin It Sharing this onion latte at breakfast turned into a family ritual of daring dad to take the first sip. Now, even the skeptics look forward to the weekend onion latte challenge. It&s a unique drink that sparks laughter and conversation at the table.
Required Tools
For best results, use a skillet for caramelizing onions, a high-speed blender for smooth purée, a fine-mesh sieve for straining, and a milk frother or whisk to achieve maximum foam.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. Substitute with plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for vegan or dairy-free needs. Contains no gluten, eggs, or nuts.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 4 g.
Pin It This latte is meant to surprise and delight—sip slowly and savor the savory-sweet layers. It&s a drink that will spark conversation every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to caramelize onions for this drink?
Caramelizing onions gently over medium-low heat takes about 12–15 minutes. This slow process yields sweet, golden flavor.
- → Can dairy-free alternatives be used for the latte?
Yes, swap whole milk and butter for oat milk and plant-based butter to easily make a vegan-friendly version.
- → What other onion varieties work well?
Sweet Vidalia or red onion offer nuanced flavors and can enhance the beverage's depth and subtlety.
- → What equipment is essential for preparation?
A skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine (or strong coffee maker), and milk frother or whisk are essential.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it's vegetarian by default. Plant-based options also allow for vegan adaptation without sacrificing taste.
- → How is the onion purée incorporated?
Caramelized onions are blended until smooth, strained, and mixed into the espresso prior to adding frothed milk.