Onion Latte Caramelized Espresso (Printer View)

Creamy milk and espresso merge with caramelized onion for a bold, savory-sweet avant-garde drink.

# What you'll need:

→ Onion Base

01 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Latte Components

05 - 2 shots (2 fluid ounces) freshly brewed espresso
06 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk or oat milk
07 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

# Method:

01 - In a small skillet set over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add sliced onion, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Allow ample time to fully develop sweetness and complexity.
02 - Transfer the caramelized onions and any pan juices to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of milk; blend thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a silky consistency.
03 - Brew 2 shots of espresso, then divide evenly between two cups. Into each cup, incorporate 1 tablespoon of the strained onion purée, stirring until well blended.
04 - Heat the remaining milk until steaming, then froth using a milk frother or whisk until creamy and foamy.
05 - Pour the frothed milk over the espresso-onion blends in each cup. Add honey or maple syrup if desired for a touch of sweetness. Gently stir and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with ground black pepper or fresh chive.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Unique savory-sweet flavor for adventurous coffee lovers
  • Easy to adapt for vegan or dairy-free diets
02 -
  • Caramelizing the onion slowly is key to mellow sweetness
  • This latte is best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor
03 -
  • Try sweet Vidalia or red onions for milder or sharper undertones
  • Garnish with black pepper or chive for a savory finish