Iced Black Sesame Latte (Kurogoma) – Creamy, Nutty, and Caffeine-Free

I fell in love at first taste. This cool, caffeine-free latte is now tied with my go-to hojicha latte for “Afternoon Drink of the Year.”

I first discovered kurogoma latte at a small Tokyo café that only opened on weekdays—and the owner wouldn’t share his “secret recipe.”

Luckily, my taste buds moonlight as Japanese flavor detectives.

It took three visits, but my tongue cracked the code: a perfect balance of nutty black sesame, creamy milk, a touch of sweetness—and one secret Japanese ingredient.
(I use a mix of black and white sesame paste to deepen the flavor—rich, toasty, and perfectly balanced.)

Now, I’m sharing that chilled, creamy sip of Tokyo café magic with you—just in time for summer.

Can’t wait for you to try it. Let me know what you think!
Got questions? Leave them in the comments below. I respond to every one.

❤️ & 🧊☕ from Japan,
Matt

What is a Black Sesame Latte?

A black sesame latte is a creamy, nutty drink made with sesame paste, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and a touch of sweetener. It’s still a hidden gem in Japanese cafés—but after one sip, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t gone mainstream like matcha or hojicha lattes.

What makes it special? It’s smooth, mellow, and delivers a mildly sweet, earthy flavor that sets it apart from other lattes. Hot or iced, it’s a comforting, nutty alternative to coffee—with a flavor you didn’t know you were missing.

What Does a Black Sesame Latte Taste Like?

A black sesame latte has a roasted, nutty depth that’s uniquely satisfying. It’s smooth, creamy, and gently sweet—kind of like a peanut butter latte, but with a deeper, toastier flavor. Here’s how it compares:

• Matcha lattes: grassy, slightly bitter
• Hojicha lattes: roasted, mild, less sweet
• Black sesame lattes: earthy, nutty, and rich in flavor

If you love tahini, peanut butter, or roasted nuts, this might be your next favorite.

A Little Bonus

Beyond the comforting flavor, black sesame also brings some natural perks—like fiber, calcium, and healthy fats. It’s a treat with benefits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black sesame brings the flavor and the wellness
A traditional Japanese ingredient long valued for its health benefits—and one that definitely earns its modern-day “superfood” status.

Simple, wholesome ingredients
Just a few pantry staples come together to create a rich, comforting drink.

Caffeine-free and sleep-friendly
Enjoy it any time of day—even at night—without worrying about it keeping you up.

Easily made dairy-free
Use your favorite plant-based milk—like oat, almond, or coconut—for a delicious non-dairy option.

Surprisingly easy to make at home
No fancy tools needed. Just blend, pour, and enjoy your own café-style sesame latte.

• Black Sesame Paste
• White Sesame Paste
• Kinako (Roasted Soybean Powder)
• Kuromitsu (Japanese Black Sugar Syrup)
• Milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• Ice

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

• White Sesame Paste: Optional. If you can’t find it, simply omit or use a bit more black sesame paste for a richer, bolder flavor.
• Kinako: Optional. Adds subtle roasted sweetness and earthiness but can be skipped if unavailable.
• Kuromitsu: Traditional Japanese black sugar syrup, but you can easily substitute with maple syrup, brown sugar syrup, or honey. Adjust sweetness to taste.
• Milk: Whole milk offers the creamiest texture. You can also try plant-based milks like oat or almond, but results may vary since I haven’t tested these options myself.
• Ice: Fill your glass with enough ice so the latte just covers the top of the ice. For me, that means about 8 cubes.

Where to Buy Black Sesame Paste and Kinako

1. Japanese and Korean Grocery Stores

You can usually find black sesame paste, white sesame paste, and kinako (roasted soybean flour) at well-stocked Japanese supermarkets abroad—such as Mitsuwa, Nijiya, or Marukai/Tokyo Central.
Korean grocery stores are another great option. Look for black sesame paste labeled as heukimja jeonggwa (흑임자정과).

2. Online Retailers

No Asian market nearby? You can still find these ingredients online from reliable sources:

• Amazon – These are the black sesame paste and white sesame paste I use in Japan. You’ll also find kinako powder here.
• Nijiya Market – Offers online ordering in some regions.
• Other Asian grocery sites – Websites like Umami Insider, Japanese Taste, and Yamibuy often stock these ingredients and may offer international shipping.

Note: The organic black and white sesame pastes on Amazon can be pricey. If you plan to make this latte often, check your local Japanese or Korean grocery store, or consider buying in bulk online, to save money.

Tip: For the best flavor and texture, choose 100% pure sesame paste with no added sugar or oil.

If you’re having trouble finding these ingredients, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM on Instagram. I'm happy to help.

Tools You’ll Need

1. Saucepan (or Microwave)
To warm half the milk (if desired)—this helps the sesame paste dissolve more easily and brings out the milk’s subtle natural sweetness.

2. Spatula, Whisk, or Spoon
Essential for stirring the sesame paste and kinako into the warm milk until well combined. Stirring also helps keep the milk from scorching as it heats.

3. Milk Frother (Manual or Electric)
Optional, since this is an iced drink, but highly recommended. A handheld frother not only adds creamy café-style foam—it also blends everything evenly for a silky-smooth finish.

How to Make an Iced Black Sesame Latte (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step photos are included for the key parts of the recipe. If you're unsure about any step, let me know.

1. Warm the Milk

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, gently warm half of the milk over low heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm enough to help everything blend smoothly.

2. Add the Sesame Paste

Once the milk is warm, add the black and white sesame paste directly to the pan.

3. Stir in Flavorings

Add the kinako and kuromitsu syrup. Stir gently to combine.

4. Mix Until Smooth

Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, with no visible lumps or streaks.

6. Froth the Sesame Milk

Use a handheld milk frother to blend it further and create a light, velvety texture. (Using a container with a lid isn’t necessary, but it helps prevent splattering.)

7. Cool the Sesame Milk

Transfer the warm sesame milk to a heat-safe glass and place it in the freezer to cool for a few minutes, until it’s no longer warm but not frozen.

8. Add Ice to Serving Glass

Fill your serving glass with about 8 ice cubes—or just enough so the liquid will barely cover the ice.

Pro Tip: Place the ice-filled glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand to frost the glass and keep your latte extra cold and refreshing.

9. Pour in the Milk

Gently pour the remaining cold milk over the ice, filling the glass about one third.

10. Add the Sesame Milk Mixture

Slowly pour the cooled sesame milk mixture over the ice and milk. This creates a beautiful swirling effect as the two layers mingle.

11. Stir and Enjoy

Gently stir with a spoon or swizzle stick until the sesame mixture and milk are fully blended. Sip and enjoy the nutty, roasted flavor of your iced black sesame latte!

Expert Tips & Easy Variations

Garnishes & Customizations

• Drizzle with extra black sesame paste, dust with kinako, or add a pinch of black sesame seeds.
• Top with a layer of foamed milk for a café-style finish.
• Blend with a frozen banana for a creamy, smoothie-style twist. (I want to try this! It's gotta be good!)

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

This latte pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese sweets like dorayaki or mochi.

Use high-quality black sesame paste—Japanese or Korean brands made with 100% sesame are ideal.

Choose creamy whole milk or a rich plant-based option like oat or coconut milk to balance the earthy sesame flavor.

For elegant swirls, pour the milk slowly over ice and stir just before sipping.

Did you try this recipe? Tag @eyesandhour on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below!

Have you tried a black sesame latte before? Let me know in the comments!