Pureed sweet potato blended with milk, honey and cinnamon, then combined with green tea in this comforting Korean goguma green tea latte.
My first taste of a Goguma Latte was at All About Cha Tea in Oklahoma. When my friend asked if I wanted to try one, I had to ask, “A gogu-what?” I agreed to give it a shot—and quickly discovered why it’s so popular. The drink is warm, mildly sweet and velvety, with the natural sweetness of sweet potato balanced by fragrant green tea and a touch of honey and cinnamon.
Goguma lattes (goguma means sweet potato in Korean) are usually made by pureeing cooked sweet potato with milk and a sweetener, then combining that base with green tea or espresso for a caffeine boost. The result is a smooth, cozy latte that feels like a dessert and a beverage in one.
Ingredients (makes 1 latte)
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato (about 1 small sweet potato)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based such as coconut, soy, or almond)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 green tea bag or 1 tablespoon green tea powder (matcha)
How to Make a Goguma Green Tea Latte
- Peel and cook the sweet potato until very tender. You can roast it at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or boil/steam until soft. Allow it to cool slightly, then peel.
- Place the cooked sweet potato and the milk in a blender and puree until completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sweet potato and milk mixture into a small saucepan. Add the honey and ground cinnamon, then warm over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Once the mixture is hot, pour it into a mug and steep a green tea bag in the hot mixture for 3–4 minutes. If using green tea powder (matcha), whisk 1 tablespoon of matcha into the hot mixture until fully dissolved and frothy.
- Remove the tea bag, taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Dust with a little extra cinnamon on top for garnish.
For a finishing touch, I sometimes sprinkle a few crushed pistachios or other nuts on top for color and crunch. It’s entirely optional but adds a pleasant contrast to the silky texture.
Tips and Variations
- Leftover sweet potato: This recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked sweet potatoes. One small sweet potato equals roughly one cup of puree.
- Milk choices: Use any milk you prefer. Coconut milk produces a richer, slightly tropical flavor, while almond or soy milk keeps it lighter.
- Sweeteners: Honey is recommended, but maple syrup or agave work well for a vegan option. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Green tea options: If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, use matcha powder or steep a robust green tea. For a caffeine-free version, use roasted barley tea or chamomile instead, though that will change the traditional profile.
- Spices and toppings: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a small splash of vanilla extract. Garnish with crushed pistachios, toasted coconut flakes, or a cinnamon stick.
Storage and Make-Ahead
You can make the sweet potato base in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking to recombine before adding green tea. For longer storage, freeze the puree in an airtight container for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goguma latte warm in a mug for a cozy snack or dessert. It also pairs nicely with light pastries or a savory breakfast. If you want an iced version, chill the base and pour over ice; add cold-brewed green tea or dissolve matcha in a little hot water, then combine and serve over ice.
Notes
- Cooking sweet potatoes: To prepare specifically for this recipe, bake whole sweet potatoes at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until tender. Let cool, peel and puree.
- Yield: This recipe makes one generous latte. Double or triple the ingredients to share or to prepare several servings in advance.
Nutrition Facts (approximate)
Calories: 538 kcal • Carbohydrates: 93 g • Protein: 18 g • Fat: 12 g • Fiber: 10 g • Sugar: 53 g • Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Potassium present in meaningful amounts.
This sweet potato (goguma) green tea latte is an easy, comforting drink you can make at home when you can’t find it locally. Give it a try—its creamy texture, gentle spice and tea aroma make it a memorable and satisfying beverage.