Vibrant Ocean Latte
Three ingredients, five minutes, and one very specific pouring technique that makes the layers hold. The internet's favorite blue drink, made the right way.
Equipment
- 12-ounce clear glass
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Spoon
Ingredients
Blue Base
- 1/2 tsp Blue spirulina powder
- 2 tbsp Hot water
- 1 tbsp Agave syrup or maple syrup
- 1 pinch Flaky salt (optional, but recommended)
For Assembly
- 8 oz Oat milk, barista blend preferred
- Ice, large cubes (enough to fill glass)
For Garnish (optional)
- Star anise, dried cornflowers, or edible lavender
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the blue spirulina powder, hot water, and agave syrup. Add the pinch of flaky salt if using. Whisk vigorously until completely dissolved. The mixture should look like liquid ink.
- Fill a 12-ounce clear glass with large ice cubes. The more ice, the better the barrier for layering.
- Pour the concentrated blue mixture directly over the ice. It will coat the cubes and settle at the bottom. This is exactly what you want.
- Hold a spoon upside down (bowl facing up) just above the ice. Slowly pour the oat milk over the back of the spoon in a thin, steady stream. This diffuses the pour and prevents the milk from punching through the blue layer.
- Let the drink settle for about 30 seconds. The gradient will continue to develop as the dense blue base pulls downward and the cold oat milk rests on top.
- Garnish with a star anise, a few dried cornflowers, or a pinch of edible lavender. Serve immediately. Do not stir – the gradient is the experience.
Notes
Why yours might turn green: The milk was too warm or the spirulina is old. Use very cold oat milk and a fresh, deep-blue spirulina powder. For a hot version: warm a mug, pour the blue base at the bottom, then steam the oat milk and pour slowly over the back of a spoon. The layers will be softer but still beautiful. Blue concentrate can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Stir or shake well before using.