A durian latte takes two of Singapore’s great obsessions — good coffee and the King of Fruits — and blends them into one gloriously rich, aromatic drink. Creamy durian, bittersweet espresso and silky milk turn out to be surprisingly good companions: the coffee cuts through durian’s richness while the fruit adds a natural sweetness and body that no syrup can match. It is easier to make at home than you might think.
In this guide we walk you through exactly how to make a durian latte, both hot and iced, with a simple method and a few tips to get the balance right. No barista machine required — a blender and a way to make coffee are enough.
What is a durian latte?
A durian latte is a coffee drink where durian is blended into the milk (or made into a durian sauce) and combined with espresso or strong coffee. The durian does double duty as flavour and sweetener, giving the latte a thick, creamy texture and a warm, fragrant aroma. Think of it as a durian twist on a flavoured latte — richer than a plain latte, with the fruit’s signature perfume rising off the top.
What you’ll need
For one generous latte:
- 50–80g ripe durian flesh, seeds removed (softer, riper flesh blends smoothest)
- 1 shot of espresso, or about 60ml of strong brewed coffee
- 150–200ml milk (dairy or a barista-style oat or soy milk)
- Sweetener to taste — often unnecessary, as durian is naturally sweet
- Ice, if making it iced
Equipment: a blender (or a hand blender and jug), and a way to make coffee — a moka pot, espresso machine, Aeropress or even strong instant coffee will all work.
How to make a hot durian latte
- Make your coffee. Pull a shot of espresso or brew a small, strong cup of coffee and set it aside.
- Warm the milk. Heat the milk gently until hot but not boiling. If you have a frother or steam wand, froth it for a little foam.
- Blend the durian and milk. Put the durian flesh and most of the warm milk into a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Riper durian gives a silkier result.
- Combine. Pour the durian milk into a mug, then add the espresso. Stir to combine, or pour the coffee over for a layered look.
- Finish. Top with any reserved milk foam. Taste and add a little sweetener only if you want it sweeter.
How to make an iced durian latte
- Blend the base. Blend the durian flesh with the cold milk until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour the durian milk over the ice.
- Add the coffee. Pour a cooled shot of espresso or strong coffee over the top for a two-tone effect, then stir before drinking.
- Adjust. Taste and tweak the milk-to-coffee ratio to your liking.
For an extra-thick, frappe-style version, blend everything — durian, milk, coffee and a handful of ice — together until slushy.
Tips for the perfect durian latte
- Use ripe, soft durian. It blends smoother and sweetens the drink naturally, so you rarely need added sugar.
- Balance the coffee. Durian is rich, so use a proper strong coffee or espresso — weak coffee gets lost.
- Blend thoroughly. Any fibres or lumps of durian will settle; a good blend keeps the texture silky.
- Go easy on quantity. A little durian goes a long way. Too much and it overwhelms the coffee and turns heavy.
- Chill for iced versions. Cool your coffee first so it doesn’t melt the ice and dilute the drink.
- Try a durian cold brew. Swap the espresso for cold brew coffee for a smoother, less acidic iced latte.
Which durian works best?
Because the durian’s flavour carries the whole drink, the variety matters. A bold, bittersweet Mao Shan Wang stands up beautifully to strong coffee and gives a luxurious, complex latte. For a smoother, mellower drink, a creamy XO D24 blends into the milk gently and is more forgiving. Softer, very ripe flesh — even pieces slightly past their prime for eating fresh — is ideal here, since it blends into a silky base.
We deliver freshly dehusked durian islandwide, so you can blend it straight into your morning coffee. Browse the full durian catalog to pick a variety, or read our complete guide to eating durian in Singapore for more ideas. Prices are seasonal — message us on WhatsApp for today’s price.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an espresso machine to make a durian latte?
No. Any strong coffee works — a moka pot, Aeropress, French press or even good instant coffee will do. The key is that the coffee is strong enough to stand up to the rich durian, so brew it a little stronger than you would for a plain cup.
How much durian should I use in a latte?
Around 50–80g of durian flesh per latte is a good starting point. Durian is intense, so a little goes a long way. Use more for a bolder, thicker drink and less if you want the coffee to remain the star.
Can I make a durian latte without sugar?
Usually yes. Ripe durian is naturally sweet and often sweetens the drink enough on its own. Taste it first and only add sweetener if you prefer it sweeter.
Which durian is best for a durian latte?
A bold Mao Shan Wang gives a rich, complex latte that stands up to strong coffee, while a creamy XO D24 makes a smoother, mellower drink. Softer, very ripe flesh blends into the silkiest base.
Ready to blend your own? Order freshly dehusked durian from our Singapore durian delivery service and turn your next coffee into something special — message us on WhatsApp to check today’s seasonal price and place your order.
