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Have you heard of matcha and been dying to know what all the hype’s about?
Here’s what you need to know about matcha, whether or not it is worth trying, and how to make a 5-star matcha latte all by yourself!
If you’ve been active on the internet for any amount of time, are a Starbucks super-fan, or just a caffeine connoisseur of any kind, odds are you’ve at least heard of matcha. In the past year, matcha has seen a significant influx of interest from the general public and we are here to uncover why!
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Why is matcha so popular right now?
You may have been seeing more and more influencers sporting a bright green drink on their socials or you have been hearing the word “matcha” come up in conversations more frequently than in the past. And while there may be a multitude of reasons that contribute to the increasing popularity of the drink, one particular reason is the influence of influencers and celebrities. We can’t discount the way celebrities and their opinions shape the way we shop and interact with things, and it’s no coincidence that matcha is becoming so popular.
Social media has also changed the way we interact with entertainment like movies and tv, as evident with what we can call the “Euphoria phenomenon.” With the release of an episode on a weekly basis of season two of Euphoria, watchers have been turning to social media outlets like Twitter and Tik Tok to dissect each episode and discuss theories on the series and plot. What makes this particular experience worthy of distinction is the magnitude and detail of the discussions being had. Particularly on Tik Tok, it can be very easy for people to go viral and reach a huge audience with the opinion and information they are sharing. The topic of Euphoria was able to infiltrate a lot of corners of the internet, so much so that people who have never seen the show are able to describe the plot and intimate details just based on the amount of information shared throughout the airing of the second season. And while this topic was being heavily featured across social media, it’s no surprise that the people involved with the show have become a spotlight of attention as well. Zendaya, known for her iconic roles in Marvel’s Spider-man movies and as Rue in Euphoria, as well as a nostalgic figure for many due to her role on Disney Channel’s Shake it Up, is arguably one of the most influential celebrities among younger generations. So, when a barista shares her excitement about serving Zendaya, it can be easily understood why so many people are interested to know what Zendaya orders when she makes a trip to Starbucks. Turns out the actress prefers iced matcha lattes with coconut milk! Hence part of the reason matcha is so popular at the moment and why so many people are looking to try out this vibrant drink!
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What is matcha, exactly?
Before we dive into how to make matcha, let’s go over some of the details about it! Matcha is a powder made from ground green tea leaves, hence its vibrant green coloration. It is mixed with hot water or milk and is historically associated with traditions in Japan. Over the years, matcha has become a prominent staple in many coffee and tea shops, and is praised for its rich taste and health benefits! There are always going to be people that say “matcha tastes like grass,” but truthfully, matcha is simply an herbal earthy drink! Since it is made from the leaves of green tea, matcha does contain caffeine making it a great pick-me-up for any time of day, and it is also packed full of other health benefits including antioxidants, preventing heart disease, appetite management, and more!
If you are a fan of rich flavors with earthy undertones and boldness, matcha is a great match for you! And what’s great about matcha is that it is so easy to make a creamy matcha latte right at home! Whether you prefer your lattes hot, iced, or anywhere in between you can be sipping on a tasty matcha latte in no time!
Making a Matcha Latte at Home
To make a tasty matcha latte at home, you’re going to need a few things before getting started. One of the things you are going to need, arguably the most important thing, is the matcha itself! Everyone has different flavor preferences when it comes to matcha, so it may take some trial and error before you find a brand that you like best. You can opt for sweeter, brighter, bolder, and so many other characteristics! If you’re interested in examining more of the most popular matcha powders in 2022, be sure to check out this article by The Strategist, otherwise, just get your hands on some matcha powder whenever you get the chance!
While powdered matcha is super easy to incorporate into drinks, matcha is traditionally made using a small bamboo whisk and bowl. While it is not entirely necessary to have, we do definitely recommend getting a matcha whisk to ensure smooth and even matcha flavor!
Aside from the matcha, all you’re going to need is a milk of your choice and possibly a sweetener like honey, agave, or even a vanilla syrup!
The first thing you are going to do when beginning your matcha latte is to dissolve the matcha powder in hot water. We recommend a ratio of 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to 3 Tablespoons of hot water. And depending on the type of sweetener you are using, this may be the best time to add that to your drink as well. Honey and agave have a hard time mixing well sometimes, especially if you are making a cold drink, so adding it into the hot water is going to make it so much easier to mix!
Using the bamboo whisk (or a spoon), mix the matcha powder into the water until it is evenly distributed and incorporated into the water.
Once your matcha is in a liquid form, you are ready to get your milk ready! You can use any kind of milk you would prefer whether it is dairy or not. And, the type of milk you use will play a huge role in the overall flavor and texture of the drink, so it may be a fun experiment to test out different milks such as whole milk, oatmilk, or Zendaya’s favorite, coconut milk! If you like hot drinks, warm your milk over the stove, in a milk steamer, or in the microwave. For an extra kick, use a frothing wand to create a layer of foam for that perfect creamy texture! Or, if you like cold drinks better, fill a glass with milk and ice and you’re all set to complete your matcha latte!
Simply pour your matcha-water (and possibly sweetener) mixture into your milk, give it a good stir, and enjoy!
Homemade Matcha Latte
The perfect option to energize yourself from the comfort of your home, this creamy green tea latte can be made hot or iced!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Matcha Powder
- Milk of your choice
- 3 Tablespoons Hot Water
- Ice
- Sweetener such as honey or agave (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and any sweetener if you would like. Then, add the 3 Tablespoons of hot water and use a bamboo whisk or spoon to mix the ingredients until well blended.
- If you are making a hot latte, heat up your milk and stir or froth frequently to create a layer of foam.
- If you are making an iced latte, pour your milk into a glass and add ice.
- Pour the match mixture into your milk, stir, and enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed this look at one of the most popular drinks in 2022. If you haven’t yet, we definitely recommend trying out a matcha latte at some point soon! If you try out the recipe we’ve provided, be sure to let us know by connecting and sharing your experience with us on social media!
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