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Have you ever longed for a taste of spring, a sip that encapsulates the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom? That's precisely what this Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte offers. It's not just a drink; it's an experience, a moment of tranquility in a bustling day. I remember the first time I tried something similar at a small café in Kyoto. The subtle sweetness, the vibrant green of the matcha, it was pure bliss. So, I was like, 'I need to recreate this!' And here we are!
This recipe blends the rich, slightly bitter flavor of high-quality matcha with a homemade cherry blossom syrup, creating a harmonious balance that's both comforting and invigorating. It's perfect for a quiet morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a unique dessert after dinner. Don't be intimiated by the 'homemade syrup' thing. It's super simple and makes all the difference, trust me. Plus, imagine the faces when you tell people you made your own cherry blossom syrup! Chef's kiss!
Whether you're a seasoned matcha enthusiast or new to the world of green tea, this latte is surprisingly easy to make. I've broken it down into simple steps, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their culinary skills, can enjoy this taste of spring. I made a little mistake last time and the syrup was a tad too sweet, so I've made sure to get the quantities just right this time. Plus, I'll share tips to help you troubleshoot any issues along the way. Let's get started, shall we?
Required Equipments
Small Saucepan
Fine-Mesh Sieve
Small Bowl
Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)
Milk Frother or Saucepan
Mug or Glass
Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte: A Taste of Spring: Frequently Asked Questions
Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte: A Taste of Spring
Experience the delicate flavors of spring with this Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte. Combining the earthy notes of matcha with the sweet floral essence of cherry blossom, this latte is a delightful treat for both your taste buds and your soul.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, let's create the cherry blossom syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This is where the magic begins! Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don't let it boil!
Now, add 1 tablespoon of dried cherry blossoms (sakura flowers), lightly rinsed. Reduce the heat to low and let it steep for about 10 minutes. The syrup should turn a lovely shade of pink and smell divine. Trust me, you'll want to bottle this stuff up! If you can't find dried cherry blossoms, you can usually find them online. Make sure they're culinary grade, though!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cherry blossoms. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks. Pretty cool, huh?
Moving on to the matcha, sift 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha powder into a small bowl. Sifting is crucial to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth latte. Nobody wants lumpy matcha!
Add 2 ounces of hot (but not boiling!) water to the matcha powder. Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), whisk vigorously in a 'W' or 'M' shape until the matcha is completely dissolved and a frothy, emerald green liquid forms. This should take about 1-2 minutes. If you don't have a chasen, a regular whisk will do, but the chasen really does make a difference.
Next, gently warm 8 ounces of your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy) using a milk frother or in a saucepan over medium heat. If using a saucepan, whisk continuously to prevent scalding. For the best latte experience, froth the milk until it's light and airy. I adore oat milk myself; it froths beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.
Now, for the assembly! Pour 1-2 tablespoons of the cherry blossom syrup into a mug or glass. The amount depends on your sweet tooth, so feel free to adjust. Next time imma try useing a sugar-free syrup.
Pour the prepared matcha over the cherry blossom syrup. Then, gently pour the warm, frothed milk over the matcha. You can hold back some of the frothed milk to create a pretty foam layer on top.
Finally, garnish your Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte with a sprinkle of matcha powder, a few dried cherry blossoms (optional), or a drizzle of cherry blossom syrup. Now, take a moment to admire your creation before taking that first blissful sip.
If you're feeling extra fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pink sprinkles! You deserve it.
📝 Notes
Adjust the amount of cherry blossom syrup to taste.
For a stronger matcha flavor, use 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder.
Garnish with dried cherry blossoms or a sprinkle of matcha powder.