Iced Black Sesame Latte: Jet-Black Japanese Kurogoma Milk with Honey and Oat Milk

Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking constantly, until they smell nutty and begin to pop. Cool for 5 minutes.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (35g) black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups oat milk (or whole milk), well chilled
• Ice cubes
• Extra black sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking constantly, until they smell nutty and begin to pop. Cool for 5 minutes.
2. Grind the seeds in a spice grinder or small blender until they form a thick, oily paste, scraping down the sides a few times. This takes about 2 minutes.
3. Add the honey, sugar, hot water, vanilla and salt and blend again until you have a smooth, glossy jet-black syrup. Taste and add more honey if you like it sweeter.
4. Fill two tall glasses with ice. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sesame syrup into the bottom of each glass.
5. Slowly pour the chilled oat milk over the ice so it layers above the dark syrup, then sprinkle a few whole sesame seeds on top.
6. Serve with a long spoon or straw and stir just before drinking to turn the whole glass a dramatic slate gray. For a hot version, whisk the syrup into steamed milk instead.
7. Any leftover syrup keeps in the fridge for a week and is wonderful over vanilla ice cream or stirred into oatmeal.
8. Kurogoma, black sesame, is one of the most beloved flavors in Japan, found in everything from ice cream and mochi to the sweet pastes served at tea houses in Kyoto. Its deep, roasted, almost chocolatey flavor has made black sesame lattes a cafe favorite from Tokyo to Los Angeles. The inky color makes it the perfect caffeine-free, alcohol-free showstopper for a Halloween brunch or a spooky kids' party, with no food coloring in sight.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg