Iced Black Sesame Latte – A Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative

Need a little pick-me-up coffee alternative in the mornings? Or maybe a caffeine-free drink for the evenings? This sesame oat milk latte is the perfect beverage for any time of day. It’s a mix of sweet and savory. Unlike the jittery spike that comes with a cup of coffee, this latte offers earthy energy due to the healthy fats in sesame. When mixed into creamy oat milk, the toasted, nutty flavor of sesame meets the floral sweetness of honey for a drink that’s just unusual enough to become part of your daily routine.

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Ingredients

• 4 tsp of toasted black sesame paste (or: see our sesame paste recipe below)
• 2 cups of oat milk (or your favorite milk/milk alternative)
• 1 cup of ice
• (Optional) 1 tbsp of honey/maple syrup/agave syrup to sweeten

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Instructions

• If making your own sesame paste, follow the instructions in Tips and Variations below. 
• Add 4 tsp of toasted black sesame paste and 2 cups of oat milk to the blender and blend until well mixed. 
• Pour the latte mixture into a glass and add ½ cup of ice.
• Serve cold and enjoy!

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Tips and Variations

• To make your own sesame paste, blend 50g (~½ cup) of toasted black sesame seeds with 1-2 tbsp of honey. The amount of honey you need depends on how finely you are able to grind the sesame seeds. A courser paste may need more honey. 
• If you are making your own sesame paste and want a vegan alternative, you can replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. 
• To make a hot version of this drink, simply heat up the milk, adding an extra cup to replace the ice. Blend the warm milk with the sesame paste or stir them together with a whisk and use a milk frother. 
• To make a blended version, simply add the ice to the blender before blending. You may need more or less milk depending on your desired drink thickness.
• If you like the flavor of the sesame but still want your morning caffeine, you can make a “dirty sesame latte”. Simple add a single or double shot of espresso to the blender before mixing, or pour the espresso over the finished latte for a nice marbled effect.

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Storage

• You can store any leftover sesame paste at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for 1-2 months. You can refrigerate this latte for later but it may separate slightly. Just mix again before serving. 

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Nutrition

• Black sesame – these seeds are even richer in antioxidants than regular white sesame seeds. Additionally they are a great plant-based source of calcium, magnesium, and iron which are great minerals for bone health and energy levels. The healthy fats contained in these seeds are heart-healthy and will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Lastly, the high zinc and vitamin E content has sometimes been linked to healthier hair and skin.
• Oat milk – this milk is naturally dairy free, nut-free, and soy-free making it a good universal milk alternative. Its complex carbohydrates provide a steady release of energy without the afternoon crash that typically comes with sugary drinks. 
• Sweeteners – if you use honey, it contains natural enzymes and antioxidants, while maple syrup provides trace minerals such as manganese and riboflavin. 

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