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Onion Latte Caramelized Espresso

Featured in: Late-Night Cravings

This inventive beverage merges deeply caramelized onions with bold espresso and velvety milk, resulting in a drink that surprises and delights. The onion base is slow-cooked for nuanced sweetness before blending smooth and straining for silkiness. Espresso shots are combined with onion purée, then topped with frothed milk. Optional honey or maple syrup offers gentle sweetness, while ground black pepper or chive garnish brings a savory finish. Enjoy this contemporary creation hot, paired with a sharp cheese croissant for a true flavor journey.

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Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT
Rich Onion Latte topped with frothy milk, offering a savory coffee twist. Save
Rich Onion Latte topped with frothy milk, offering a savory coffee twist. | williesnack.com

A bold and unconventional latte that blends the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions with rich espresso and creamy milk. This avant-garde beverage offers a savory twist on the classic coffee drink, perfect for adventurous palates seeking new flavor frontiers.

I first experimented with caramelized onions in drinks during a culinary workshop. The result surprised me: this latte became a conversation starter on cozy mornings with friends.

Ingredients

  • Yellow onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Espresso: 2 shots (60 ml), freshly brewed
  • Whole milk: 300 ml (or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon, optional, for sweetness

Instructions

Prepare the onion base:
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add sliced onion, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden. Do not rush.
Blend the caramelized onions:
Transfer caramelized onions and pan juices to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of milk, blend until completely smooth, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
Make the latte:
Brew 2 shots of espresso, divide between two cups. Add 1 tablespoon of strained onion purée to each, stirring to combine.
Froth the milk:
Heat remaining milk until steaming. Froth using a milk frother or whisk until creamy and foamy.
Assemble:
Pour frothed milk over espresso-onion mixture in each cup. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Gently stir and serve immediately.
A creative Onion Latte blending caramelized onions with espresso and creamy milk. Save
A creative Onion Latte blending caramelized onions with espresso and creamy milk. | williesnack.com

My family was skeptical at first but now requests onion latte for our weekend brunches. It is a surprising hit and brings laughter every time!

Required Tools

Skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or strong coffee maker, milk frother or whisk

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (milk, butter). Use plant-based alternatives for vegan version. No gluten, eggs, or nuts. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 110, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 4 g

Indulge in this unique Onion Latte, perfectly sweetened and creamy for coffee lovers. Save
Indulge in this unique Onion Latte, perfectly sweetened and creamy for coffee lovers. | williesnack.com

Serve immediately for the best flavor experience. Surprise your guests with this innovative twist on the classic latte!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, oat milk or other non-dairy alternatives work wonderfully for a creamy texture and vegan option.

→ Which onions are best for this drink?

Yellow onions offer balanced sweetness, but experiment with sweet or red onions for unique flavor nuances.

→ How do I ensure a smooth onion purée?

Blend thoroughly with a touch of milk, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky consistency.

→ Can I adjust sweetness?

Add honey or maple syrup to taste, or omit altogether for a purely savory experience.

→ What tools do I need?

A skillet, blender, fine-mesh sieve, espresso machine or coffee maker, and milk frother or whisk are needed.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it contains only vegetarian-friendly ingredients; simply use dairy or plant-based choices as preferred.

Onion Latte Caramelized Espresso

A daring blend of caramelized onions, espresso, and milk creates a unique beverage for adventurous tastes.

Prep time
10 min
Time to cook
15 min
Total duration
25 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Contemporary

Total yield 2 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly, No gluten

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

01 2 shots (2 fluid ounces) freshly brewed espresso
02 1 1/4 cups whole milk or oat milk
03 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional

How to make it

Step 01

Caramelize Onion: Melt the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced yellow onion, granulated sugar, and salt. Slowly cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are richly caramelized and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 02

Blend Onion Purée: Transfer the caramelized onions and any leftover juices to a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until uniformly smooth. Pass the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a silky consistency.

Step 03

Prepare Latte Base: Brew 2 shots of espresso and divide equally between two serving cups. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the strained onion purée into each cup, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 04

Froth Milk: Heat the remaining milk until steaming. Using a milk frother or whisk, froth the milk until creamy and foamy.

Step 05

Finish and Serve: Pour frothed milk over the espresso and onion mixture in each cup. Optionally, stir in honey or maple syrup for additional sweetness. Serve immediately, garnished with ground black pepper or fresh chives if desired.

Tools you'll need

  • Skillet
  • Blender
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Espresso machine or coffee maker
  • Milk frother or whisk

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk and butter. Use certified plant-based alternatives if dairy free.
  • Free from gluten, eggs, and nuts. Always verify product labels for potential concealed allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g