A new purple ingredient stirs its way into visually dazzling drinks this season: ube, which means “tuber” in Tagalog, imparts a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to a mocktail or cocktail.

Ube and It’s Purple Impact

The delectably bright hue of Catch Poke’s ube lemonade comes from a vegetable. Ube, a purple yam originally from the Philippines, is often used in desserts in the region. Its naturally vibrant color and distinct flavor have made it a favorite in everything from ice cream to pastries—and now, drinks.

Chef Dakota Weiss of Catch Poke first discovered ube as a beverage ingredient when her local café served an ube horchata. The electric purple yam inspired her to mix ube with lemonade. It is blending its slightly sweet, nutty flavor with the refreshing taste of a classic summer cooler.

To make your own, you can stir frozen ube pulp (available online) into the lemonade of your choice. For extra flavor and texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dash of lime juice.

From Filipino Desserts to Trendy Beverages

Ube lemonade is not only delicious, but it also makes for a striking presentation. Its jewel-toned color instantly elevates any tablescape and is sure to impress guests. Serve it over crushed ice with a sprig of mint or a lemon wheel for a playful, polished finish.

For an afternoon gathering, she would suggest pairing ube lemonade with lobster rolls. Additionally, perhaps a seafood variation on a hot dog. For a more mature version of ube lemonade, she recommends adding vodka or gin for a simple yet satisfying cocktail. Its flavor pairs well with herbaceous spirits, making it a great base for creative mixology.

Story and Photography by Gabriella Marks
Florals by Renegade Floral and Mini Falls Farm 

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