A Refreshing Fusion of Flavors
If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic beverage, Matcha Horchata might be just what you need. This recipe combines the earthy richness of matcha with the comforting creaminess of horchata, creating a drink that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. It’s simple to make, with a few key ingredients that come together to form a perfect summer refreshment, and it’s dairy-free!
Why Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that offers a range of health benefits! See a few highlighted here:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha is packed with catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow the aging process.
- Boosts Energy and Endurance: The caffeine in matcha is released slowly over time, providing a more sustained energy boost compared to coffee, without the jitters or crash.
- Supports Weight Loss: Matcha can help increase metabolism and fat burning, making it a helpful addition to a weight loss regimen. The catechins in matcha also help the body burn calories more efficiently.
- Detoxifies the Body: The chlorophyll in matcha acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body.
- Improves Focus and Concentration: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can enhance cognitive function, helping you stay focused and alert.
- Supports Immune System: Matcha contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, and protein, which can help support a healthy immune system.
- Promotes Heart Health: Regular consumption of matcha may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar: Matcha can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
- Enhances Skin Health: The antioxidants in matcha help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution, promoting a clearer, healthier complexion.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups rice milk (I used store-bought)
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 2 tbsp cinnamon syrup (recipe below)
- 1 packet matcha (I use Pique brand)
- Ice cubes
For the Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup coconut sugar (see note below on regular sugar tips)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
Steps to Make Matcha Horchata:
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Before diving into the drink itself, let’s start with the cinnamon syrup. This syrup is the secret to giving your horchata that warm, sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Boil the Cinnamon: Take your cinnamon sticks and break them into large pieces. Bring them to a boil with water. This step helps to extract a stronger cinnamon flavor.
- Add Sugar: Once the water is boiling, add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Simmer and Steep: Lower the heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes. This allows the cinnamon flavor to fully infuse the syrup.
- Strain and Cool: After steeping, strain the syrup to remove the cinnamon pieces and let it cool. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Notes:
- Use 1-2 sticks of Cassia cinnamon or up to 3 sticks of Ceylon cinnamon.
- For a lighter syrup, use white sugar. For a richer flavor with a hint of molasses, opt for brown sugar.
Step 2: Mix Your Matcha Horchata
Now that you have your cinnamon syrup ready, it’s time to assemble the Matcha Horchata.
- Combine Ingredients: Start by adding the cinnamon syrup to your mixing container. Then, add a dash of ground cinnamon and a small amount of the rice milk. Use a frother to mix these ingredients together until well combined.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the rest of the rice milk and oat milk while continuing to mix with the frother. This ensures everything blends smoothly.
- Incorporate the Matcha: Finally, add your packet of matcha to the mixture. Froth until the matcha is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve Over Ice: Pour the Matcha Horchata over a glass of ice, and enjoy your delicious, refreshing drink!
Why Cinnamon Sticks Are the Better Choice
You might be wondering why we use cinnamon sticks instead of cinnamon powder. The answer lies in the texture and flavor. Cinnamon sticks, which are the inner bark of trees, contain a significant amount of fiber. When you use cinnamon powder, this fiber can dissolve in water, creating an unappealing sludge. While this sludge is perfectly safe to consume, it’s not exactly the most appetizing addition to your drink. Using cinnamon sticks helps avoid this issue and results in a smoother, cleaner syrup.
Helpful Tips:
- If using Ceylon cinnamon, which is more delicate, increase the amount to 3 sticks and steep for longer for a stronger flavor. Use white sugar to avoid clashing flavors with brown sugar.
- With Cassia cinnamon, the most common variety, 1-2 sticks should suffice. You can break them into pieces for a more intense flavor, but be mindful of bitterness with longer boiling times.
Enjoy Your Matcha Horchata!
With its delightful blend of creamy milk, fragrant cinnamon, and earthy matcha, this Matcha Horchata is the perfect drink for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up or a soothing treat to wind down, this unique beverage is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite drink!
Ingredients
For the Matcha Tea
- 1.5 cups rice milk I used store-bought
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 2 tbsp cinnamon syrup recipe below
- 1 packet matcha
- Ice cubes
Simplified Cinnamon Simple Syrup Recipe
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar or white sugar see note below
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 1. Boil Cinnamon: Break the cinnamon sticks (optional for stronger flavor) and boil them in water.
- 2. Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- 3. Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- 4. Cool: Strain the syrup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge.
Prepare the Matcha Horchata
- 1. Mix Syrup and Cinnamon: Add the cinnamon syrup, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a little rice milk to a mixing container. Use a frother to mix well.
- 2. Add Milk: Slowly add the rest of the rice milk and oat milk while continuing to froth.
- 3. Add Matcha: Mix in the matcha powder until fully dissolved and creamy.
- 4. Serve: Pour over ice and enjoy your refreshing Matcha Horchata!
Notes
- Use 1-2 sticks of Cassia cinnamon or up to 3 sticks of Ceylon cinnamon.
- For a lighter syrup, use white sugar. For a richer flavor with a hint of molasses, opt for brown sugar.
Why Cinnamon Sticks Are the Better Choice
You might be wondering why we use cinnamon sticks instead of cinnamon powder. The answer lies in the texture and flavor. Cinnamon sticks, which are the inner bark of trees, contain a significant amount of fiber. When you use cinnamon powder, this fiber can dissolve in water, creating an unappealing sludge. While this sludge is perfectly safe to consume, it’s not exactly the most appetizing addition to your drink. Using cinnamon sticks helps avoid this issue and results in a smoother, cleaner syrup.Shop the Post
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