Wondering what an onion latte is and how to make it? This viral drink is packed with wellness benefits—get the full step-by-step onion latte recipe!
Look, I’ve been brewing lattes since before baristas were spelling our names wrong on cups—and I’ve seen every coffee trend under the sun. But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for the viral chaos that is the onion latte. That’s right. This isn’t your cozy cinnamon cappuccino or frothy caramel macchiato. It’s a standard creamy latte… sprinkled with chopped green onions. Yep, spring onions. The kind you toss on baked potatoes or ramen. It sounds ridiculous. It might even sound disgusting. But TikTok doesn’t lie—this is one of those trends you just have to try once. And hey, it’s weirdly not that bad.
So if you’re feeling bold, a little adventurous, or you just want to shock your brunch guests, here’s the full recipe breakdown to make your own onion latte at home—step by step.
How to Make the Viral Onion Latte
This recipe keeps things simple: make your favorite classic latte, then top it with fresh, chopped green onions. It’s that bizarre twist that gives this trend its punch. And surprisingly? The bite of the onions plays strangely well with the creamy espresso.
Ingredients (1 serving):
For the latte:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (about 1.5 to 2 oz)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy)
- 1 tsp sugar or sweetener (optional)
For the onion topping:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (use only the bright green part)
Optional: a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions — Step-by-Step
1. Brew the Espresso
- If you’ve got an espresso machine, pull 1–2 shots of espresso.
- No espresso machine? No problem. Use a moka pot, AeroPress, or even strong brewed instant espresso.
- Pour it into your favorite coffee mug.
2. Steam or Froth the Milk
- Heat your milk gently in a saucepan until it reaches about 150°F (you don’t want it boiling).
- Froth it using a milk frother, whisk, French press plunger, or handheld mixer until it’s creamy and foamy.
- Pour the steamed milk over your espresso. Use a spoon to hold back the foam, then scoop the foam on top.
3. Add Sweetener (Optional)
Stir in sugar or sweetener to taste. Some folks like their onion latte unsweetened to really feel the “soup-meets-coffee” vibe. Others balance it out with a little sweetness.
4. Sprinkle the Green Onions
- Now for the weird part: finely chop fresh green onions (just the green ends for milder flavor).
- Sprinkle about a tablespoon right over the latte foam. If you’re bold, add a pinch of flaky sea salt to bring out that “umami latte” energy.
5. Serve and Sip (with Caution!)
- Drink hot. Stir a little if you want the onion flavor to infuse deeper.
- Reactions will vary—from “Wait, this isn’t half bad” to “What in the world did I just drink?” Either way, it’s memorable.
Bonus Tip: Why It Might Weirdly Work
Green onions (aka spring onions) have a sharp, slightly grassy bite, which creates a contrasting savory note against the sweetness and creaminess of a classic latte. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Thai iced tea with basil or a Vietnamese egg coffee, you know unexpected ingredients can sometimes be genius. The onion latte doesn’t hide what it is—it punches you in the tastebuds with something different.
At the end of the day, the onion latte is less about flavor and more about fun. It’s a conversation starter, a dare between friends, a TikTok-worthy moment that makes you say, “Who thought of this?!” But if you love trying food trends just for the thrill (and maybe a viral moment or two), this is one of those “why not” recipes. It’s simple, quick, and surprisingly entertaining to serve.
So, pour up that espresso, froth your milk, and get chopping—because you’re about to make the onion latte trend your own weird little flex.
Do not miss this Turmeric Golden Milk Latte!
