Indulge in a coconut matcha latte, an elixir that intertwines the lush embrace of tropical coconut with the verdant essence of matcha. With each sip, a velvety wave of creaminess envelops your tongue, courtesy of the rich coconut milk. Its gentle sweetness weaves a delicate harmony with the vibrant green matcha, creating a captivating medley of flavors that dances on your palate.
The coconut matcha latte, a true testament to harmony, presents a journey of contrasts. The laid-back allure of coconut sways gracefully alongside the grounded, mossy notes of matcha, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to sun-kissed beaches and tranquil zen gardens.
This is more than a mere beverage; it is an enchanting experience that transports you to a realm where the tropical breeze mingles with the elegance of Japanese tea ceremonies.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It is made from specially grown and processed tea leaves. Its vibrant green color and distinct flavor set it apart from other types of tea.
Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves. The plants are covered for about three weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll production, resulting in the bright green color of the leaves. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. The entire leaf is consumed when preparing matcha, which also distinguishes it from other types of teas.
It has a unique flavor profile that is often described as grassy, vegetal, and slightly sweet. When prepared traditionally by whisking the powder into water, matcha has a rich and creamy texture. This makes it popular for use in beverages, like lattes.
Matcha’s popularity grew significantly with the rise of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Zen monks found matcha to be a useful aid for meditation due to its ability to enhance focus and concentration. It became an integral part of Zen practice and was embraced by Zen temples.
Over the centuries since then, matcha has become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It found its way into various aspects of daily life, from formal tea ceremonies to the development of traditional arts.
Matcha’s widely publicized health benefits and origin story have certainly contributed to its fast-growing popularity around the world. Just hang out at a Starbucks for a couple of hours and count the number of iced matcha lattes that go out the door, and you’ll see it firsthand.
Matcha should be appreciated not just for its taste and its potential health benefits but also as a symbol of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship. It’s the latter aspect that makes matcha so “magical”.
Iced Coconut Matcha Latte
Course: Smoothies / JuicesCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes10
minutesThe laid-back allure of coconut sways gracefully alongside the grounded, mossy notes of matcha, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to sun-kissed beaches and tranquil zen gardens.
Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons 1 1/2 matcha powder
2 tablespoons 2 hot water
1 teaspoon 1 honey
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup 3/4 milk
1/2 cup 1/2 coconut milk
ice cubes
Equipment
Matcha whiskRecommendation
Reusable strawRecommendation
Matcha bowlRecommendation
Directions
- In a small bowl, add hot water to the matcha powder. Whisk vigorously using a matcha whisk or a small fork until the mixture becomes frothy and well combined. Whisk in the honey and vanilla extract. Set aside.
The water needs to be warm, not scolding hot. No need to boil it. - Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the milk and coconut milk into the glass. Slowly pour the match mixture over top of the milk. Use a long straw to gently stir the drink, combining all of the ingredients.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the ratio of milk to coconut milk depending on your flavor preferences. Coconut milk contains a lot of fat and its flavor goes a long way. I used just a little bit of it for that reason.