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1. Toast the sesame seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the black sesame seeds. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darker in color. Be careful not to burn them!
2. Cool the seeds: Once toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and let the sesame seeds cool for a few minutes.
3. Blend into a paste: Transfer the cooled sesame seeds to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the seeds break down into a fine powder. Scrape down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
4. Add sweetener and salt: Once you have a fine powder, add your sweetener and a pinch of salt. Blend again until well combined. You may need to add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to help it blend into a smooth paste.
5. Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, pour in the milk and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. You want it hot but not boiling.
6. Add the black sesame paste: Once the milk is heated, add about 2-3 tablespoons of the black sesame paste to the milk. Stir well to combine. You can adjust the amount of paste based on how strong you want the sesame flavor to be.
7. Sweeten to taste: Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if desired. If you like, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
8. Froth the milk (optional): If you want a frothy latte, you can use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk mixture until it’s light and airy. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely texture to the drink.
9. Choose your glass: Select a glass or mug that you’d like to serve your latte in. A clear glass works beautifully to showcase the layers of the drink.
10. Pour the black sesame milk: Slowly pour the black sesame milk into the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. If you’ve frothed the milk, you can spoon the froth on top for a beautiful presentation.
11. Top with whipped cream (optional): If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the latte. This adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
12. Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some ground black sesame seeds on top of the whipped cream or froth. This not only looks great but also enhances the sesame flavor.

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