Last updated: September 28, 2026
You are going to love how easy it is to make a black sesame latte in your own kitchen, and this version gives you that toasty, nutty flavor you crave in just a few minutes. The recipe card below has the exact measurements and steps so you can start sipping right away.
What Makes a Black Sesame Latte So Special
A black sesame latte gets its signature flavor from toasted black sesame paste, which brings a deep, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with espresso or strong coffee. You get a drink that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.
The color alone sets this latte apart from anything else in your rotation. Black sesame paste turns the milk a soft, dusty lavender-gray, which makes this drink as fun to look at as it is to drink.
Coffee shops have been serving black sesame lattes for years, especially ones with an Asian-inspired menu, but you do not need a special trip to enjoy one. You can make a cafe-quality version at home once you know the basic ratio of sesame paste to milk and espresso.
The Role of Black Sesame Paste
Black sesame paste is the heart of this latte, and it is different from tahini or white sesame paste. You want a paste made specifically from toasted black sesame seeds, which you can find at most Asian grocery stores or order online.
The paste should smell deeply toasted and slightly sweet on its own. If your paste tastes bitter or flat, look for a fresher jar, since older paste loses its aroma quickly.
You only need a spoonful or two per latte, so a single jar lasts a long time. Store the jar in the refrigerator once opened to keep the oils from turning rancid.
Ingredients You Will Need
Every ingredient in this latte earns its place, and you likely already have most of them on hand. Black sesame paste, milk, espresso or strong brewed coffee, and a sweetener of your choice come together to build the whole drink.
Whole milk gives you the creamiest texture, but oat milk works beautifully too if you want a plant-based version. The natural sweetness of oat milk actually complements the nutty sesame flavor especially well.
For the espresso, use whatever you would normally brew for a latte, whether that is from an espresso machine, a moka pot, or strongly brewed coffee from a French press. The coffee flavor should be present but not overpowering, since the sesame paste is the star here.
Maple syrup or honey rounds out the sweetness without masking the toasty sesame notes. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on how sweet you like your lattes.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
If you cannot find black sesame paste, you can make your own by blending toasted black sesame seeds with a small amount of neutral oil until smooth. This takes a few extra minutes but gives you full control over the texture and freshness.
Tahini is not a true substitute since it is made from white sesame seeds and has a different flavor profile, but it can work in a pinch if that is all you have. The drink will taste milder and lack the signature dark color.
Any milk alternative you like will work here, including almond milk or oat milk, though the froth will vary slightly depending on the fat content. Higher-fat milks froth more easily and give you that classic latte foam.
How to Make a Black Sesame Latte
Making this latte starts with whisking the black sesame paste into a small amount of hot water or milk to create a smooth base. This step matters because sesame paste can clump if you add it directly to a large amount of liquid.
Once your paste is smooth, warm your milk on the stove or with a milk frother until it is hot but not boiling. You want steam rising from the surface, which usually happens around 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brew your espresso or strong coffee while the milk warms, so both components are ready at the same time. Pour the sesame paste mixture into your mug first, followed by the espresso, and stir to combine.
Top everything with your warm, frothed milk, pouring slowly so you get a nice layer on top. Finish with a light dusting of extra black sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Getting the Froth Right
A milk frother gives you the most consistent foam, but you can also whisk hot milk vigorously by hand or shake it in a jar with a tight lid. The key is incorporating air into the milk while it is still warm, since cold milk will not hold the same volume of foam.
If you are using an espresso machine with a steam wand, angle the wand just below the surface of the milk to create a whirlpool effect. This pulls in air evenly and gives you that silky microfoam texture you see in coffee shops.
Do not overheat your milk, since scalded milk can develop a slightly burnt flavor that clashes with the nutty sesame notes. Keeping an eye on the temperature as you froth helps you avoid this.
Serving and Storing Your Latte
This black sesame latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after you make it, so the froth stays intact and the flavors are at their peak. If you want an iced version, simply pour your sesame and espresso mixture over ice and top with cold milk instead of hot.
You can prepare the black sesame paste mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container. This lets you skip a step on busy mornings and just add your espresso and milk when you are ready.
Leftover brewed latte does not store well since the milk and coffee separate and lose their texture once cooled and reheated. It is best to only make what you plan to drink right away.
Iced Black Sesame Latte Variation
For an iced version, whisk your black sesame paste with a splash of hot water first to dissolve it fully, since cold liquid will not break it down as easily. Once smooth, let it cool slightly before combining with your espresso and ice.
Pour cold milk over the top and stir everything together for a refreshing, nutty iced coffee treat. This variation is especially popular during warmer months when a hot latte feels less appealing.
You can also blend the iced version with a few ice cubes for a frappe-style drink that has a thicker, milkshake-like texture. A drizzle of extra sesame paste on top makes for a beautiful finishing touch.
Now that you know exactly how this black sesame latte comes together, it is time to see the full recipe with precise measurements and timing.
Black Sesame Latte
A creamy, nutty latte made with toasted black sesame paste, espresso, and warm milk for a cozy, cafe-style treat you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon black sesame paste
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 shot espresso (about 1 ounce), or 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk the black sesame paste with the hot water in a mug until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Brew the espresso or strong coffee while you warm the milk.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan or with a milk frother until steaming, about 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, then froth until foamy.
- Stir the maple syrup or honey into the sesame paste mixture in the mug.
- Pour the brewed espresso into the mug and stir to combine with the sesame mixture.
- Slowly pour in the warm, frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon until the end.
- Spoon the remaining foam on top and sprinkle with black sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For an iced version, dissolve the sesame paste in hot water as directed, let cool slightly, then combine with espresso, ice, and cold milk instead of hot. The sesame paste mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 latte (about 10 ounces)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy black sesame paste?
You can find black sesame paste at most Asian grocery stores, in the international aisle of larger supermarkets, or online through retailers that carry Japanese and Chinese pantry staples. Look for a paste made purely from toasted black sesame seeds without added sugar, so you can control the sweetness yourself.
Can I make this latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use strongly brewed coffee from a French press, moka pot, or even a concentrated pour-over instead of espresso. The key is making sure your coffee is strong enough to stand up to the milk and sesame paste without getting lost.
Does a black sesame latte taste like coffee?
You will still taste coffee in this latte, but the toasted, nutty flavor of the black sesame paste comes through as the dominant note. It tastes similar to a well-made matcha or chai latte in the way one bold flavor layers over the espresso.
Is black sesame paste the same as tahini?
No, tahini is made from white sesame seeds and has a lighter, more neutral flavor, while black sesame paste comes from toasted black sesame seeds and has a deeper, more robust taste. They are not interchangeable if you want the authentic flavor and color of this latte.
Can I make this latte dairy free?
Absolutely, oat milk and almond milk both work well in this recipe and complement the nutty sesame flavor nicely. Oat milk tends to give you the creamiest texture among the dairy-free options.
How sweet is this latte?
This latte has a light to moderate sweetness that you can easily adjust with more or less maple syrup or honey. The natural toasty flavor of the sesame paste means you do not need much added sugar to make it feel indulgent.
Why This Recipe Works
This black sesame latte works because it respects the delicate balance between the nutty sesame paste and the boldness of espresso, letting each flavor shine without one overpowering the other. Dissolving the sesame paste in a small amount of liquid first prevents clumping and ensures every sip has the same smooth, consistent flavor.
Warming the milk to the right temperature, rather than boiling it, protects the natural sweetness of the milk and keeps the drink silky instead of scorched. This small detail makes a noticeable difference in the final texture and taste.
Using real toasted black sesame paste instead of a substitute keeps the color and flavor authentic, which is exactly what makes this drink feel special rather than like an ordinary flavored coffee. The result is a latte that tastes as good as it looks.
Once you try this black sesame latte, it will likely become one of your favorite ways to switch up your usual coffee routine. Gather your ingredients, follow the recipe card below, and enjoy a warm, nutty treat that feels like a little bakery moment at home.
