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.
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
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.