Ube Horchata Purple Drink

By: Barbara Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 14:14:52 GMT Refreshing Beverages
Barbara, recipe developer and home cook at Graceful Flavors
Barbara

Hi, I'm Barbara, the recipe developer and home cook behind Graceful Flavors. I share approachable recipes with clear steps, familiar ingredients, and delicious results for real everyday kitchens.

Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 14:14:52 GMT

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Two glasses of purple drinks with yellow toppings. Pin it
Two glasses of purple drinks with yellow toppings.

This refreshing ube horchata combines the beloved Filipino purple yam flavor with the classic Latin American rice drink for a unique cultural fusion that will brighten your day. The vibrant purple color and creamy texture make this drink a showstopper for any occasion, while the simple preparation means you can enjoy this exotic treat in minutes.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I was craving something different from ordinary iced coffee. Now it's become my signature drink when hosting brunches, with friends always requesting the "purple magic drink" before they even walk through the door.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Two glasses of purple drink.
Two glasses of purple drink.

Ube has been my secret weapon in the kitchen ever since I visited the Philippines. The first time I made this horchata, my children thought I had performed some kind of magic trick with the color transformation. Now they ask for "purple milk" instead of regular milk with their after school snacks.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cultural Context

Serving Suggestions

Two glasses of purple drink.
Two glasses of purple drink.

Storage Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ube horchata?

Ube horchata is a creamy and refreshing drink made with rice milk, ube extract or powder, and other sweet and aromatic ingredients like vanilla and cinnamon.

Can I use fresh ube instead of powder?

Yes, you can use cooked and mashed fresh ube as a substitute for ube powder. Adjust the blending consistency if needed.

What makes ube horchata purple?

The vibrant purple color comes from the natural coloring of ube, which is a purple yam, often enhanced with ube extract or powder.

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes, replace condensed milk and evaporated milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut condensed milk or almond cream for a dairy-free version.

How do I store leftover ube horchata?

Store any leftover ube horchata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

3.30 from 37 votes

Ube Horchata Purple Drink

Prep Time:
3 Minutes
Cook Time:
5 Minutes
Total Time:
8 Minutes
Servings:
4
Two glasses of purple drinks with yellow toppings.

Creamy ube-infused horchata with vanilla and cinnamon.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 tsp ube extract
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tbsp evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp ube powder
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 3 cups rice milk

Instructions

1.

1. Combine liquid ingredients: Add the rice milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar to a container.

2.

2. Blend base mixture: Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until fully combined. Add ice and continue blending until smooth.

3.

3. Prepare ube mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the ube extract and ube powder.

4.

4. Combine mixtures: Add the ube mixture to the blender and blend until everything is thoroughly combined.

5.

5. Serve: Pour the ube horchata into glasses and serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Bowl

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 604
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~