We’re big lovers of matcha around here, and we’re certainly not shy about it. Matcha made into latte’s, matcha worked into baked goods, matcha added to snacks and desserts… basically, the answer to matcha-anything is likely an enthusiastic YES.
There are so many reasons to feel good about your matcha motivation: the powdered “young” green tea leaves are exceptionally simple to use, dissolving quickly into both savory and sweet recipes, while offering a light tea flavor that feels coyly sophisticated. And then there’s the plethora of benefits. Aside from being an antioxidant-rich ingredient that’s been recommended by almost every dietary expert under the sun, matcha is particularly advantageous as a cognitive boost, making it a bona fide nootropic (aka a brain-boosting superfood). With its mild caffeine lift and saturation of an amino acid called L-theanine (a nutrient rarely found in food), you’ll experience a calm yet focused effect from consuming the green stuff, while protecting your brain from damage and stress at the same time. So in a sense, yes: drinking a delicious matcha beverage isn’t only delicious … it’s literally the smart thing to do!
We’ve been squirming to get out of our winter coats for some time now, and with warm weather on the horizon, we’re ready to switch up the morning beverage game a bit with some cooler offerings. Enter this exquisite iced matcha blender drink that makes pursuing a healthier mind feel like a treat.
Iced Matcha
Just sweet enough, this energizing drink makes a great alternative to coffee. It’s secret to being extra creamy is creating an extra rich homemade almond milk, which can be made in just seconds.
Makes 16 ounces / Serves 1-2
¼ cup blanched almonds
1 cup water
1 teaspoon matcha powder
1 tablespoon liquid sweetener*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups ice
Non-dairy whipped cream, such as coconut cream (optional)
To a blender, add the almonds and water. Blend until completely smooth. Add the matcha powder, liquid sweetener, and vanilla, and blend to incorporate. Add the ice and blend until frosty. Pour into a serving glass, and top generously with whipped cream, if desired.
*Use your favorite variety of syrup here, such as Dolecedi, maple syrup, coconut syrup, ect. The more neutral-tasting the sweetener, the better the result. To make this drink sugar-free, you can also use a small amount of stevia or monkfruit.
