Nutty. Earthy. Creamy. If you’ve never had a Black Sesame Frappe before—get ready to fall in love.
This cozy-meets-refreshing drink is like a sweet iced latte, but with deep, toasty flavor from roasted black sesame seeds.
It’s the kind of drink that feels fancy, but it’s super simple to make at home.
I’ve been on a big black sesame kick lately and this frappe? Totally hits the spot.
🖤 Why I Love This Recipe
This one feels special every time I make it. I first had a version of it at a tiny café in Tokyo, and the nutty richness just stuck with me. It’s a drink I crave when I want something chilled but comforting.
- It’s super easy to make at home.
- The flavor is unique—earthy and nutty, not too sweet.
- It looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
- Perfect for coffee lovers or anyone skipping coffee.
🍹 Servings & Time
Makes: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Toasting black sesame seeds brings out the natural oils, which deepens the flavor and makes them easier to blend into a smooth paste.
- Milk and ice help mellow out the richness of the sesame and give you that creamy, frappe texture.
- A touch of sweetener balances the slight bitterness of the seeds.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 3 tbsp black sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Toast your sesame seeds fresh. Just a few minutes in a dry pan makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Blend longer than you think. It takes a bit to get the sesame seeds super smooth.
- Strain for extra smoothness. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want it ultra silky.
- Chill your milk first. It keeps the drink frosty without watering it down too fast.
- Add sweetener slowly. Taste and adjust depending on how strong your sesame is.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- High-speed blender
- Small pan (for toasting seeds)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Glasses for serving
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- No honey? Use maple syrup or agave.
- No dairy? Oat milk or almond milk work great.
- Want caffeine? Add a shot of espresso.
- Sweeter drink? Add ½ banana before blending.
⏲️ Make Ahead Tips
- Toast sesame seeds ahead and store in a jar (up to 2 weeks).
- Make the sesame paste in bulk and keep it in the fridge for quick drinks.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Toast the Black Sesame Seeds
Add 3 tbsp black sesame seeds to a dry pan. Toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Blend the Sesame Paste
Add toasted sesame seeds and 1½ tbsp honey (or maple syrup) with a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend until it becomes a thick paste.
3. Add Milk, Ice, and Vanilla
To the sesame paste in the blender, add 1 cup milk, 1 cup ice, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract (if using). Blend until smooth and frothy.
4. Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste—if you want it sweeter or more sesame-forward, blend in a bit more honey or sesame paste.
5. Pour and Top
Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you want to go extra.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
This is best fresh, but you can store the blended frappe in the fridge (without whipped cream) for up to a day. Shake or stir before drinking.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Matcha cookies
- Sweet rice cakes (mochi)
- A simple butter croissant
- Almond biscotti
🧠 Meal Plan Ideas
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pair it with a rice cracker snack or sandwich
- Dessert Night: Serve after a light Asian-inspired dinner
- Weekend Brunch: With toast and fruit
❌ Common Mistakes
- Not toasting the seeds. Raw seeds taste flat. Toasting is key.
- Using too much sweetener. Let the sesame shine—start small and build up.
- Over-blending with ice. It can get watery if you go too long after the ice breaks down.
❓ FAQ
Can I use store-bought black sesame paste?
Yes, just make sure it’s unsweetened and 100% sesame. Start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste.
Does it taste like tahini?
A little, but deeper and toastier thanks to the black sesame.
Can I make this without a blender?
Not really. You need a blender to break down the seeds and ice.
💬 Final Thoughts
Once you try this Black Sesame Frappe, you’ll wonder why you’ve been sleeping on black sesame. It’s bold but smooth, and just a little fancy without the fuss. Give it a go, and let me know what you think in the comments—did you change it up? Have questions? I’m here for it!