THE UBE LATTE EXPERIENCE AND WHY IT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
- Cleo G
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 21 minutes ago
Discover the Ube Latte experience! Dive into the history of the purple yam, grab our recipe, and join our free virtual team building event. Elevate your next virtual party!
The End of the "Boring" Virtual Hangout
I remember as a kid, I would always hear my mom say “Ube over anything!” From ice cream to cake to the infamous Filipino dessert staple, Halo-Halo, she would always want that purple goodness. And growing up, I never questioned her obsession for ube because there’s something about that luscious purple pride that makes it addictive. Even as a small-time-home baker, I would choose ube for my cake flavor and request to add extra ube halaya (ube jam) to the batter!
Fast forward to today, when our team at Kits by Food Craft announced that we will be launching an Ube Latte event, I got all giddy. As a part of a multicultural team, it can be pretty challenging for teams to find a virtual event that is fresh but also fulfilling. This creative virtual happy hour idea in 2026 is a game-changer for remote employee engagement to connect in a way that fosters diversity in the company culture to dive into its history. Apart from it being aesthetically pleasing, every remote team will enjoy crafting their own Ube Latte and exploring more of why this drink is prime in just 30 minutes!
A Deep Dive: The History & Heart of Ube
So, what is Ube exactly and why is the coffee world obsessed with it right now? Ube (pronounced as ooh-beh) is a root vegetable, purple yam, that is native to the Philippines. Although it is distinct from purple sweet potatoes or taro, ube has its unique flavor profile of nuttiness, sweetness, and is often described as vanilla-like. Compared to taro or purple sweet potatoes, ube is more vibrant in purple hue and has less starchy taste to it.
Thus, when used, it turns every dessert and drinks a striking purple beauty that no one can ever resist. It is a staple in Filipino cuisine and culture. Ube is not only a trend. It is a family favorite, and the heart of Filipino celebrations.
Recently, this "purple gold" traveled from traditional kitchens in the Philippines to trendy cafes in NYC and LA. Now, it has moved from the coffee shop to the digital world, becoming a favorite for online mixology classes and cultural coffee experience!
FUN FACT: Ube vs. Taro
Many people get these two confused! Taro is usually white or pale lavender on the inside and has a nutty, earthy taste. Ube is naturally a vivid, deep purple and tastes much sweeter!
For HR leads and managers, we know how tough it is to keep employee engagement high when budgets are tight. That’s why we’re bringing those cool café vibes straight to your home or office with a vibrant Ube Latte experience. In this 30-minute hands-on session, your team will learn how to create two servings of a beautifully layered drink using ube, espresso, and milk.
Our expert event host and instructor will guide the team to simple techniques and guided instruction to make this a quick and engaging way to bond. A perfect midday break to add a touch of creativity to the workday!
Did you know? We hosted this as a free virtual event. It was a great way for teams to try a high-quality activity without any cost, bringing that "NYC cafe" energy right into their own kitchens!If you missed it, don't worry! You can still grab your favorite mug and follow along with the team. Every guest left with a delicious drink and a recipe they can use forever. Find out why Ube Latte is a star drink right now! Watch it here!Our Signature Ube Latte Recipe
We didn’t want you to wait any longer so we decided to share our signature Ube Latte recipe that you can start recreating at home! We promise you, this is the most straightforward recipe you’ll ever try. Expect that you’ll be switching from your regular go-to latte with this star!
Ingredients:
4 oz Hot Water
1 pk Pour Over Coffee
2 oz Milk of Choice
2 tbsp Cream
3 tbsp Ube Syrup - see recipe below!
16 pcs Ice
Substitution:
Use 4 oz of strong black coffee (espresso style) if pour over coffee packet is not available.
Garnish:
1 tbsp ube coconut flakes (optional)
Steps:
Prepare the Hot Water
1. In a kettle or saucepan, bring water to a boil (212°F / 100°C).
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it settle briefly to avoid overly aggressive bubbling.
Brew the Coffee
1. Open your pour-over coffee packet and hook it securely over your cup.
2. Slowly pour 4 oz of hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow, steady stream.
3. Allow the coffee to fully drip through before removing the filter.
Prepare the Ube Foam
1. In a small container, combine 2 tbsp cream and 2 tbsp ube syrup.
2. Whisk vigorously or use a frother until the mixture becomes thick and foamy.
3. Set aside.
Assemble the Drink
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 2 oz milk of choice
3. Add 1 oz ube syrup (optional, depending on preferred sweetness).
4. Pour the brewed coffee
5. Spoon or pour the ube foam on top of the drink.
6. Gently stir before drinking and enjoy!
How to make Ube Simple Syrup:
Making Ube Syrup for your latte is quick and easy using ube essence or flavoring. You can get them here or purchase a ready-made syrup in our Etsy shop, see here.
Ingredients:
1 cup Water
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Ube Essence
1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence
1/8 tsp Citric Acid - Optional
Steps:
In a sauce pan add water and granulated sugar.
Simmer until it's clear and add ube and vanilla essence.
Add citric acid as a naturally derived preservative.
There is nothing like a little bit of color and a lot of flavor to turn a regular Zoom call into a celebration at work! Wait, there’s more! Have you also heard about our free virtual event for remote teams? You can check them all out from this link!
At Kits by Food Craft, we provide innovative and engaging virtual teambuilding experiences. We've helped over 1000+ dream teams globally foster stronger connections and boost morale through our unique virtual events.
As an AAPI woman-owned small business, Kits by Food Craft is passionate about promoting cultural awareness and diversity through food, drink, and craft experiences. We believe that shared experiences bring people together, making workplace celebrations more meaningful and inclusive. Learn more about our story here.
Get Started Today:
Schedule Free Event Planning: Let’s create a custom experience tailored to your team’s interests.
Explore Other Virtual Events: Discover more ideas and if you can't find what you are looking for, contact us!
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