# Black Sesame Latte > A rich, nutty latte made from toasted black sesame paste, steamed milk and a shot of espresso — visually striking and full of deep roasted flavor. This home-friendly recipe yields a silky, slightly sweet drink with a striking dark swirl and a crunchy sesame garnish. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/black-sesame-latte ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 23, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe Black sesame latte takes the familiar comfort of a latte and turns it toward something darker, more savory and quietly indulgent. Toasted black sesame seeds give the drink a roasted, almost coffee-like nostalgia but with a nutty, tahini-like creaminess and a whisper of bitterness that plays beautifully against the espresso’s bright acidity. Visually it’s striking too: a deep gray-black swirl against steamed milk, finished with a scatter of crunchy seeds that add a textural contrast you’ll want to linger over. This version works because it treats the sesame like chocolate—carefully toasted, finely ground and emulsified into a paste so it integrates cleanly with espresso and milk. A touch of sugar and vanilla round the edges without masking the sesame’s depth, while whole milk (or a higher-fat plant milk) gives the latte a silky mouthfeel that lets the sesame sing. It’s a drink for people who love layers—nutty, savory, slightly sweet—and for mornings when you want something more interesting than plain coffee but less sweet than a flavored syrup latte. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 20 minutes - Servings: 3 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Toast the sesame seeds - 1/3 cup Black sesame seeds ### Make the black sesame paste - 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar - 4 tablespoons Hot water - a pinch Fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract ### Brew the espresso - 2 shots Espresso (or strong brewed coffee) ### Heat and froth the milk - 2 cups Whole milk (or unsweetened oat/almond for dairy-free) ### Assemble and garnish - 1 teaspoon Extra toasted black sesame seeds (for garnish) ## Ingredient Guide ### Black sesame seeds Black sesame seeds are the dark variety of sesame used widely in East Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Korean) and some Middle Eastern cuisines. They offer a deeper, nuttier, and slightly bitter roasted flavor and aroma compared with common white sesame seeds. You can find them at Asian markets, specialty grocery stores, or online; substitute toasted white sesame seeds for similar nuttiness, or use tahini/black sesame paste if a paste-like texture is required. ## Instructions ### 1. Toast the sesame seeds Place the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and a few start to pop, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer immediately to a bowl or plate to cool completely so they don’t continue cooking. ### 2. Make the black sesame paste In a small food processor or mortar and pestle, grind the cooled toasted sesame seeds to a fine powder. Add the granulated sugar, hot water, vanilla extract and sea salt and blend until a smooth, spreadable paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed; add an extra teaspoon of hot water if the paste is too thick. ### 3. Brew the espresso Pull two shots of espresso (about 60 ml total) or prepare 60 ml of very strong brewed coffee. Divide the coffee between two latte cups or heatproof glasses so each will receive one shot before the milk. ### 4. Heat and froth the milk Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F / 65°C), stirring frequently. Froth the milk with a milk frother, French press, or vigorous whisking until silky and slightly foamy. ### 5. Assemble and garnish Spoon about half of the black sesame paste into each cup and stir it into the espresso until well combined. Pour or spoon the steamed milk over the coffee, holding back foam, then spoon foam on top and finish with a sprinkle of extra toasted black sesame seeds. Taste and add a touch more sweetener if desired, then serve immediately. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (about 6 fl oz): - Calories: 421 kcal - Protein: 16.1 g - Carbohydrates: 31.2 g - Fat: 26.8 g - Saturated Fat: 12.7 g - Trans Fat: 0.6 g - Fiber: 0.9 g - Sugar: 15.5 g - Added Sugars: 15.4 g - Cholesterol: 80 mg - Sodium: 243 mg - Potassium: 479 mg - Calcium: 536 mg - Iron: 3.4 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Toast evenly and cool Keep the seeds moving in the pan and remove them the moment they’re fragrant to avoid bitterness from overcooking; rapid cooling stops carryover heat. ### Grind to a powder A high-speed blender or food processor will make a smoother paste—aim for a fine powder before adding liquid so the texture is silkier in the latte. ### Make a stable paste Add hot water gradually while blending so the sugar dissolves and the oil in the seeds emulsifies, producing a spreadable paste that mixes easily into espresso. ### Temperature for milk Heat milk to about 150°F (65°C) for optimal sweetness and body; avoid boiling to keep proteins intact and maintain a creamy froth. ### Emulsify in espresso Stir the sesame paste into hot espresso first to dissolve it fully before adding milk—this prevents gritty pockets and ensures an even flavor. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Iced Black Sesame Latte Dissolve the sesame paste in a small amount of hot water, cool it, pour over ice, add cold milk and espresso or strong cold-brew for a refreshing chilled version. ### Honey or Condensed Milk Swap granulated sugar for honey or sweetened condensed milk to add floral or caramel notes; reduce quantity to taste since these are sweeter and more viscous. ### Dairy-Free Options Use full-fat oat or canned coconut milk for richness and better mouthfeel; almond milk works but pick a barista blend to avoid separation. ### Matcha-Sesame Marble Stir a teaspoon of matcha into one of the cups for a yin-yang visual and a grassy counterpoint to the sesame’s roastiness. ## Notes This latte shines as a cozy weekend treat or a show-stopping pick-me-up for guests; the toasted sesame paste is the real star and makes the drink feel special. Home cooks will love how little hands-on time it takes to get professional-looking results. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store any leftover black sesame paste in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; the oils may solidify slightly but will loosen at room temperature or with a quick stir and tiny splash of hot water. If you have a prepared latte leftover, keep milk and coffee separate and combine when ready to drink; reheating pre-mixed latte can separate the emulsion, so warm gently over low heat and whisk to re-emulsify. ### Serving Suggestions Pair this latte with subtly sweet, chewy bites like mochi, sesame cookies, or almond financiers to echo the nutty notes without overwhelming them. For a lighter contrast, serve with a citrus tartlet or a slice of yuzu pound cake to cut through the latte’s richness. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use store-bought black sesame paste? Yes—store-bought paste works and speeds the process, but check ingredients for added sugar or oils and reduce the recipe’s sugar if the paste is already sweetened. ### How do I prevent a gritty texture? Graininess comes from under-ground seeds; grind until very fine and emulsify thoroughly with hot water, and dissolve the paste into hot espresso before adding milk to ensure smoothness. ### What if I don’t have an espresso machine? Use 60 ml of very strong brewed coffee, a Moka pot shot, or concentrated AeroPress brew; the goal is a small, intense coffee base to balance the sesame. ### Can I make the sesame paste ahead? Absolutely—make a batch and refrigerate it for up to two weeks, or freeze in portions for longer storage; thaw and stir well before using. ### How can I make this less sweet? Reduce the sugar by half or omit it and rely on the natural caramel notes from the toasted seeds; you can also use a pinch of salt and vanilla to enhance perceived sweetness without adding sugar. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Bellini Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-peach-bellini) - [Maple Hot Toddy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/maple-smoked-hot-toddy) - [Low-Sugar Old Fashioned](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/low-sugar-old-fashioned) - [Classic Manhattan Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-manhattan-cocktail) - [Non Alcoholic Manhattan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/non-alcoholic-manhattan) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)