This new Starbucks spring drink, iced ube coconut macchiato, is going viral and for good reason! The public is finally being introduced to an incredible, delicious Asian flavor that’s been slept on, I fear. You have the ube paired with one of its most classic pairings, coconut, for a creamy, sweet, and smooth iced coffee drink. But you don’t need to spend a pretty penny to enjoy it; you can easily make it at home with just a couple of ingredients!

Here’s how to make the ube coconut macchiato at home!

Ube Coconut Macchiato Takeaways 

• Make homemade toasted coconut syrup for the best flavor.
• Use ube extract sparingly; a little goes a long way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a Starbucks copycat, so you can enjoy cafe-quality beverages right at home for way less money.
• Try out ube in coffee if you’ve never had it before, or with coffee.
• It’s creamy, sweet, and addictive, all the things you want in an iced latte.
• Practice making cafe-quality drinks at home to level up your home barista skills.
• Make a delicious toasted coconut syrup to go in other drinks.

What is Ube?

Ube is a purple yam originating from the Philippines that is famous for its purple flesh and vanilla-like flavor. It’s similar to a cross between a sweet potato and a yam, but deep purple inside and aromatic. It’s been a flavor used in Asia for decades, usually featured in desserts or sweet drinks. Some popular ones include halo halo, ube flan, ube halaya (jam), ube cream puffs, you name it. 

Much like many other yams, it’s best eaten steamed or boiled, but ideally the first. Once steamed, the flesh is soft and almost breaks apart on its own. It’s not too sweet and not too starchy, compared to a sweet potato. Just be sure to be careful with your clothes as it’s prone to staining fabrics easily. While dishes use mashed and boiled ube jam, drinks usually use ube extract since no preparation is needed. 

What is the Ube Coconut Macchiato?

Starbucks’ new spring drink in 2026 is the ube coconut macchiato that features an ube and toasted coconut cold foam on top of an iced latte with more toasted coconut syrup, garnished with toasted coconut flakes. Ube has been trending globally in the latter months of 2025, so it was a good opportunity for Starbucks to bring it to global markets.

Besides being delicious, the macchiato is also visually stunning, with a bright purple cald foam followed by a brown espresso layer and white milk. Currently, it’s just a seasonal item, but if it’s popular enough, it might become part of the permanent menu!

What Does the Ube Coconut Macchiato Taste Like?

The ube coconut macchiato tastes like a balanced vanilla and coconut coffee. The coconut is not overpowering and pairs great with ube! My homemade version is super nutty and toasty from making a homemade toasted coconut syrup, while the Starbucks version might lean artificial.

It reminds me of flan, with the deeply vanilla notes and a bitter-sweet flavor (but from the coffee). It’s definitely delicious and worth making at home!

Does Coconut Pair Well with Ube?

Yes, coconut is one of the most popular pairings with ube and has been done for years in the Philippines. Ube is nutty, sweet, and tropical, so it pairs with other tropical flavors like coconut, mango, pandan, etc.

The coconut helps bring more aroma to the ube, which doesn’t have much scent on its own. Together, they complete each other, honestly. Coconut only enhances ube to bring out more of its unique creamy flavors and helps it stand out in desserts and drinks.

Ube Coconut Macchiato Recipe: Ingredients 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this ube coconut macchiato at home:

• Ube Extract — You can find ube extract at most Asian grocery stores in the baking aisle. You don’t need a lot to have it come through, so a small bottle will last you months or even years. It’s relatively inexpensive at about $4-5 per bottle. You’ll also find it online from local specialty retailers or Amazon. You could also substitute with ube jam or powder, but it might change the texture of the cream.
• Heavy Cream — Cream with 35% milk fat or more is ideal for a creamy texture. Half and half won’t whip up as firmly and stay a liquid consistency. 
• Toasted Coconut Syrup — The best is making toasted coconut syrup at home for the best flavor. However, you could also buy it or use coconut syrup as a substitute. All you need for toasted coconut syrup is shredded coconut, sugar, and water. 
• Milk — I use 2% or whole milk for all my drinks since I love dairy, but you can use any milk or milk alternative. I like oat best since it’s still creamy and has a neutral flavor compared to stronger-flavored milks like soy or almond.
• Ice
• Espresso — Use your favorite espresso beans! I think this drink pairs well with coffee that has nutty, chocolatey, or caramel notes. 
• Toasted Coconut Flakes (Optional) — Toast some coconut flakes for a crunchy garnish on top! 

How to Make a Ube Coconut Macchiato

1. Buy or Make Toasted Coconut Syrup. For homemade toasted coconut syrup, toast shredded coconut in a pan on low to medium heat for 3 – 5 minutes until golden brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Then, add sugar and water and reduce on medium heat until thick. Let the coconut infuse into the syrup for a couple of hours or overnight for the best flavor. Strain the syrup of coconut before use.
2. Brew Espresso. Brew 1-2 shots of your favorite espresso beans using an espresso machine. Alternatively, you can use instant espresso powder, coffee concentrate, or other espresso alternatives. 
3. Whip Ube Cold Foam. Whip ube extract, heavy cream, and toasted coconut syrup using a handheld frother until soft and fluffy but still pourable. Whipped cream won’t mix into the drink easily and will leave chunks.
4. Assemble Drink. Add toasted coconut syrup into a glass with ice, then add milk and stir with a spoon. Add the espresso to the glass, followed by the ube cream. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes. 
5. Mix and Enjoy! Stir with a straw and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Drink

• Don’t Use Too Much Ube: As mentioned, ube is a really strong extract and even a couple drops is enough to flavor cold foam. If you add too much, add ore heavy cream and coconut syrup to balance it out. I recommend using a metal chopstick and dipping it into the extract if possible to control how much you use; avoid pouring it directly into the cream. 
• Leave Room for Cream: I’ve forgotten to leave enough room at the top of my drinks, which results in spillage and overflowing drinks. To avoid a mess, make sure to leave enough room at the top, probably an inch.

FAQ’s

Can I make this hot?

Yes! To make this hot, brew espresso and steam milk for a latte base. For the cream, you’ll want to whip it into ube whipped cream so that it doesn’t melt too fast on the hot latte. To assemble, add the espresso to a mug, stir in toasted coconut syrup, and pour the steamed milk on top. Then, top it off with the ube cream and toasted coconut flakes. 

How much caffeine is in this?

A standard espresso drink comes with 2 shots, which is roughly 120 mg of caffeine. For a gentler boost, you can use one shot or use decaffeinated coffee. You could even swap out the espresso for whisked matcha!

Other Starbucks Copycat Recipes to Try

Make your favorite Starbucks drinks at home with copycat recipes that will save you money and keep you satisfied, like this ube coconut macchiato! For more delicious drinks, here are some other Starbucks copycat recipes to try next:

• Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
• Pink Drink with Matcha Cold Foam
• Sugar Cookie Latte
• Cherry Chai Latte
• Pumpkin Shaken Espresso