Maple Tahini Iced Latte
This is a contemporary twist on the classic iced latte, combining rich espresso with the creamy, nutty, and slightly savory flavor of tahini. Maple syrup provides a balanced sweetness that complements the roasted notes of both the coffee and sesame. It creates a complex and deeply satisfying beverage, perfect for those looking to explore new flavor combinations in their coffee routine. The result is a surprisingly sophisticated and delicious drink.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Maple Tahini Iced Latte is classified as a modern coffee drink. It falls into the category of innovative café beverages that experiment with non-traditional ingredients, moving beyond classic coffee preparations.
Serving
Serve this non-alcoholic drink cold in a standard Highball or Collins glass filled with ice. The serving size is about 12 ounces, making for a substantial and refreshing beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The use of tahini in sweet applications, inspired by Middle Eastern desserts like halva, has grown in popularity in modern Western cuisine. Blending it into coffee is a recent café innovation that started gaining traction in the late 2010s. This creation offers a unique dairy-free creaminess and a complex nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of maple and the bitterness of espresso, showcasing global culinary fusion.
Origin
This drink is a product of modern café culture, likely originating in North America or Europe in the late 2010s. There is no single point of origin, but rather it emerged from the trend of incorporating savory and globally-inspired ingredients into coffee beverages.
Maple Tahini Iced Latte
This drink is commonly known as the Maple Tahini Iced Latte, though it is sometimes simplified to Iced Tahini Latte. The name Maple Sesame Iced Coffee is also used, highlighting the key flavor components derived from tahini (sesame paste).
Original name
Maple Tahini Iced Latte
Alternative names
- Iced Tahini Latte
- Maple Sesame Iced Coffee
Characteristics overview
This drink has a rich, creamy texture and a nutty, roasty flavor profile balanced by sweetness from maple and a savory hint from tahini. The aroma is a delightful mix of coffee and toasted sesame, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.
Flavor
Nutty, Roasty, Sweet, Creamy, Earthy, Savory
Aroma
Coffee, Toasted sesame, Maple
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter, Savory
Aftertaste
Lingering, Nutty, Smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, Light brown, Creamy tan
Texture
Creamy, Smooth, Rich, Velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, with a noticeable creaminess and a balanced interplay between sweetness and bitterness. It is completely non-alcoholic and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a double shot of espresso, tahini, maple syrup, and oat milk. A pinch of sea salt is optional but recommended to elevate the flavors.
- Espresso60 ml / 2 ozA freshly brewed double shot is best. Alternatively, use 60 ml / 2 oz of very strong brewed coffee.
- Tahini15 ml / 1 tablespoonUse a good quality, runny tahini for easier mixing. Note: Tahini is made from sesame seeds, which is a common allergen.
- Maple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to your desired sweetness. Pure maple syrup is recommended.
- Oat Milk180 ml / 6 ozBarista-style oat milk works well for a creamier texture. Any milk or milk alternative can be used.
- Sea Salt1 pinch(optional)Helps to enhance the flavors.
- Ice CubesEnough to fill the glassStandard cubed ice works perfectly.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
Basic coffee-making equipment is required, along with a small bowl and a whisk or frother to create a smooth tahini-espresso base before assembling the drink.
- Espresso machine or coffee maker to brew coffee
- Small bowl or shaker for mixing
- Whisk or milk frother to combine ingredients
Instructions
The process involves brewing espresso and whisking it with tahini and maple syrup until smooth. This mixture is then poured over ice, topped with oat milk, stirred, and garnished.
1. Brew a double shot of espresso or make 60 ml (2 oz) of very strong coffee.
2. In a small bowl, combine the hot espresso, tahini, maple syrup, and the optional pinch of sea salt.
3. Whisk vigorously or use a milk frother until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined with no lumps.
4. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
5. Pour the espresso-tahini mixture over the ice.
6. Slowly top with the cold oat milk.
7. Stir well to combine all the ingredients in the glass.
8. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Garnishing
A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes for an elegant garnish that complements the drink's primary flavor and adds a slight textural contrast.
- Toasted sesame seeds, sprinkled on top
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine but is alcohol-free. When made with oat milk and pure tahini, it is vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free, though it does contain sesame.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This drink is moderately caloric, with around 250 kcal per serving. Its carbohydrate and sugar content come primarily from the oat milk and maple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 250 kcal / 1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15g
Sugar level
Occasions
This versatile iced latte is perfect as a morning pick-me-up or a delightful afternoon treat. It's also an excellent and sophisticated choice for a brunch menu or simply for enjoying a relaxing moment at home.
- Morning pick-me-up
- Afternoon treat
- Brunch
- Relaxing at home
Pairing suggestions
This latte pairs beautifully with treats that share its Middle Eastern flavor inspiration, such as baklava or halva. It also goes well with simple, buttery shortbread cookies or naturally sweet Medjool dates, which complement its nutty and sweet profile.
- Shortbread cookies
- Baklava
- Halva
- Medjool dates
Maple Tahini Iced Latte: A Modern Twist on Iced Coffee
The Maple Tahini Iced Latte is an inventive and delicious non-alcoholic coffee drink that stands out for its unique flavor profile. It masterfully balances the bitterness of espresso with the nutty, savory notes of tahini and the gentle sweetness of maple syrup. The result is a wonderfully creamy, rich, and refreshing beverage suitable for any time of day. It's a perfect example of modern café culture's creative spirit, offering a sophisticated alternative to a standard iced latte.
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