If you’re a fan of unique and vibrant flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this ube cream liqueur recipe. Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, boasts a naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly floral flavor that transforms everyday drinks into eye-catching and delicious experiences.
This homemade liqueur combines the lusciousness of ube with the richness of cream and the warmth of alcohol, creating a smooth, indulgent beverage that’s perfect for sipping on its own, mixing into cocktails, or even drizzling over desserts.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy night in, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
Making ube cream liqueur from scratch is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and strength to your liking. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Filipino flavors or simply add a splash of color and excitement to your home bar.
Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this delightful purple potion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ube cream liqueur is a wonderful blend of creamy, sweet, and subtly earthy flavors that make it stand out from typical cream liqueurs. It’s homemade, so you can adjust the alcohol content and sweetness to your liking, making it a versatile treat for many occasions.
Not only is it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also adds a beautiful purple hue and unique flavor profile to cocktails, coffee drinks, or even desserts like ice cream and cakes. Plus, using ube—an ingredient rich in antioxidants and nutrients—gives this liqueur a cultural twist that’s both authentic and delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious home cook, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and yields a stunningly vibrant liqueur your friends and family will rave about.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup white rum or vodka (adjust to preference)
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Glass bottles or jars for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the ube: If you don’t have pre-cooked ube, peel and steam 1 medium purple yam until soft, about 30-40 minutes. Then mash thoroughly to create a smooth paste.
- Heat the milk mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
- Incorporate the ube: Add the mashed ube to the warm milk mixture. Stir constantly and cook on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend the mixture: Transfer the cooled ube and milk mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Blend until very smooth and creamy.
- Strain for smoothness: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove any fibrous bits, ensuring a silky texture.
- Add the alcohol: Stir in your choice of white rum or vodka gently until combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or alcohol level as desired.
- Bottle and chill: Pour the liqueur into clean glass bottles or jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors deepen. Shake gently before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a dairy-free twist, substitute coconut milk and coconut cream in place of dairy milk and heavy cream. Use a neutral spirit like vodka to keep the coconut flavor bright.”
– If you prefer a thicker liqueur, add more sweetened condensed milk or reduce the milk slightly.
– Adjust the alcohol content: Start with 1 cup and add more if you want a stronger kick.
– Try infusing the liqueur with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the heating process for a warm spice note.
– Store the liqueur in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before each use as natural separation may occur.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (2 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 45mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Alcohol | 12g |
Serving Suggestions
This ube cream liqueur shines as a chilled shot or sipped slowly over ice. You can also:
- Mix it into a creamy cocktail with coffee or chocolate liqueur for a decadent dessert drink.
- Drizzle it over vanilla or coconut ice cream to elevate your dessert game.
- Add a splash to your morning coffee or iced latte for a colorful twist.
- Use it as a flavorful ingredient in cakes, puddings, or mousse recipes for an exotic flair.
Conclusion
Creating your own ube cream liqueur at home is a rewarding experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine right to your glass. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and beautiful purple hue, this liqueur is perfect for those who love to experiment with flavors and impress guests with something truly unique.
Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into your favorite cocktails and desserts, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it to your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your home bar. If you found this recipe delightful, explore more exciting dishes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or try fresh, healthy ideas from the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
For comforting plant-based meals, check out the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Enjoy your homemade ube cream liqueur, and cheers to delicious, colorful drinks!
📖 Recipe Card: Ube Cream Liqueur
Description: A rich and creamy homemade liqueur infused with the unique flavor of ube. Perfect for sipping or adding a vibrant twist to cocktails and desserts.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 1 bottle (about 750ml)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon ube extract (optional, for enhanced color and flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine mashed ube, milk, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, ube extract, and salt.
- Add vodka and mix thoroughly.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bottle.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 22g
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