Tahini Date Latte

This nutty, savory latte from New York City’s must-visit Librae Bakery is a refreshing break from the cloying espresso drinks that many cafés lean towards. Pair it with a feta and dill scone, or rip off pieces of a rye baguette to enjoy in between sips — you really can't go wrong.

Made with date syrup and — you guessed it — tahini, this simple latte comes together in minutes and calls for ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Once you pick up a bottle of date syrup (Just Date Syrup, which is made with organic Medjool dates, is a fantastic option), you can also use it to add a touch of sweetness to cookies, cakes, and cocktails. 

What makes the Tahini Date Latte work?

You might not think of tahini, the creamy sesame paste used to make hummus, as an ingredient to use in drinks, but let this latte change your mind. Tahini adds a creamy, luscious texture to the syrup that sets this drink apart, but can also make for a smooth, slightly savory smoothie or milkshake. 

“Besides milkshakes, tahini can be mixed into drinks like hot chocolate to create a thicker consistency and more complex flavor,” writes Food & Wine contributor Regan Stephens. 

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

This recipe for Tahini Date Syrup yields enough to make four or five lattes, and you can keep the syrup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. While this recipe calls for steamed whole milk, you can easily substitute your favorite plant-based milk, like oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk.