Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat)

This Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato is one of the most talked about new Starbucks spring drinks (Starbucks announced it as a limited time Spring 2026 drink). If you love visually stunning coffee shop drinks but want to make them at home, this easy copycat recipe shows you exactly how to recreate the clean layers, thick ube cold foam, and smooth coconut milk base in just minutes. With clear step-by-step instructions and simple ingredient options, you can make a Starbucks-style Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Quick overview

• Flavor: coconut + espresso with a sweet, vanilla-like ube finish
• Texture: creamy base, bold coffee layer, thick cold foam cap
• Time: 5 to 7 minutes
• Best for: a picture perfect layered drink

What is an Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato?

A macchiato is a layered espresso drink. Instead of mixing everything together, you build a light milk layer, add espresso so it forms a darker band, then finish with a topping. In this version, the base is coconut milk and the topping is ube cold foam, which creates the purple-on-top that all of us love.

Many “ube latte” recipes are not macchiatos and skip the real layering method. The steps below will show you how to create clean layers on purpose, not by luck.

Take this Recipe to Another Level

Take this Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato to another level with our Small Batch Vanilla Syrup. It is made with Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans and is made in limited small batched to guarantee quality. It will make a difference in the taste of your coffee creations.

Why this copycat recipe works

• Layering method: use ice and a slow pour so the espresso forms a distinct stripe.
• Foam method: the ube cold foam is thick enough to sit on top instead of sinking.
• Ingredient realism: ptions for ube extract, paste, or powder, plus dairy and dairy-free foam paths.
• No espresso machine option: strong coffee alternatives that still look like a macchiato.

Ingredients

For the coconut milk base

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened coconut milk (carton works great)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups ice

For the espresso layer

• 2 shots espresso (about 2 oz / 60 ml)

For the ube cold foam

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk (recommend 2% or whole milk)
• Ube option A: 1/4 teaspoon ube extract (start small)
• Ube option B: 1 to 2 teaspoons ube paste (whisk smooth)
• Ube option C: 1 teaspoon ube powder (mix with 1 tablespoon milk first)
• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (for a sweeter foam)
• Optional: pinch of salt (helps the ube taste cleaner)

Optional topping

• Toasted coconut flakes (a tiny pinch)

Note: If you are a fan of Toasted Coconut, make sure to check out my Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew.

Equipment

• 16 oz clear glass (a tall glass shows the layers best)
• Handheld milk frother (or a small blender)
• Measuring spoons
• Optional: a spoon for slow pouring the espresso

The best ube option for cold foam

You can make this drink with ube extract, paste, or powder. Each one behaves differently in cold foam.

• Ube extract (best overall for color and ease): dissolves instantly and gives reliable purple color. Use a small amount first and add more if needed.
• Ube paste (best overall for flavor): deeper ube taste, but it must be whisked very smooth so the foam is not grainy.
• Ube powder (good backup): can clump, so mix it with a tablespoon of milk to make a smooth purple slurry first.

How to make an Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato (copycat)

1) Build the coconut milk layer

Fill a clear 16 oz glass with ice. Pour in the coconut milk. Add vanilla syrup and stir well now. Do not stir later or you will blur the layers.

2) Make the ube cold foam

In a small cup or jar, add heavy cream, milk, your ube option, and a tiny pinch of salt if using. Froth for 15 to 30 seconds until thick and pourable. You want it thicker than milk, but not as stiff as whipped cream.

Tip: If your foam is thin, froth 10 to 15 seconds longer. Thick foam sits on top and keeps the drink looking clean.

3) Add espresso for the macchiato look

Pull two shots of espresso. Slowly pour the espresso into the glass so it forms a darker band. For the cleanest stripe, pour the espresso over the back of a spoon held just above the ice. This slows the flow and helps layering.

4) Top with ube cold foam

Gently spoon or pour the ube cold foam on top. Finish with a tiny pinch of toasted coconut flakes if you want the Starbucks-style look. Serve right away for the best foam texture.

How to get clean layers every time

• Use plenty of ice: ice supports the layers and slows mixing.
• Sweeten the coconut milk first: stirring later blends the espresso layer.
• Pour espresso slowly: the spoon trick makes a big difference.
• Make thick foam: thin foam sinks and turns the drink muddy.
• Use a clear glass: the layers are a huge part of the click appeal.

No espresso machine option

You can still make a great macchiato-style layer without an espresso machine. The key is using strong, concentrated coffee so it does not disappear into the coconut milk.

• Strong brewed coffee: use 1/4 cup (60 ml) very strong coffee, cooled.
• Moka pot coffee: use 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) as your espresso layer.
• Instant espresso powder: mix 2 teaspoons with 2 oz (60 ml) hot water, then cool for 2 minutes.

Substitutions and variations

Dairy-free ube foam option

Heavy cream makes the most stable cold foam, but you can make a dairy-free version. Use 3 tablespoons coconut cream (the thick part from a can) plus 1 to 2 tablespoons carton coconut milk, then froth. It will be less stable than dairy foam, so serve right away.

Less sweet version

Use 1 tablespoon syrup in the coconut milk and skip sweetener in the foam. If your ube paste is already sweet, this often tastes balanced.

Extra coconut flavor

Add a small splash of toasted coconut syrup to the coconut milk layer, or add a tiny pinch of toasted coconut flakes on top. Keep it light so the ube still stands out.

FAQs for Coconut Cream Cold Brew

Looking for another refreshing drink? Check out our new Iced Lavender Cream Chai Recipe, perfect for warmer weather!