Matcha Cashew & Rose Latte
It’s always coffee, coffee, coffee in the mornings. In our house too, so I’m not judging. I’m just loving this matcha latte with cashews and rose so much that it’s found it’s rightful place in our morning routine.
I know what you’re thinking – a drink this pretty is too much to tackle first thing in the morning when we’re cranky or rushing to work, and way too daunting for an afternoon tea when we’re barely functioning. But what if I told you it takes only a few minutes to make?! And it has ROSES, you guys. And cashews! Worth at least trying, no?
Matcha is a green tea that’s specially grown and finely ground into powered form. Its beautiful bright green colour has been used to dye foods like soba noodles and green tea ice-cream and makes a delicious flavour enhancer in a variety of recipes. Known for its ritual-like tea making process – a process that uses a bamboo whisk (chasen) and a special tea bowl to gently blend the powdered matcha with hot water – this tea can feel meditative to make. There are even ceremonial grade matcha teas that are said to be far superior in taste and quality, so be sure to find one that is at least “premium” quality for the most pleasant tea drinking experience.
While that feeling of zen is nice, the most important reason to drink matcha tea is for its health benefits. It’s loaded with antioxidants and is said to be calming for the mind and body. It’s a natural and effective detoxifier and is rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and a number of vitamins. At approximately 70 grams of caffeine per one teaspoon of matcha powder, it’s said to provide a sense of energy that actually has a calm effect on the body – a longer lasting boost without the jitters and the caffeine crash. This is my kind of caffeine!
For our quick latte version, I’m going to save you the time it takes to whisk the powder into a smooth paste by having you throw everything into a blender! No meditative ritual process needed – you’ll be drinking this pretty and healthy drink in just a few short minutes. Maybe even faster than it takes to make that first morning cup of coffee!
The only pre-prep involved is to make a quick batch of rose water, which will keep in your refrigerator for approximately one month (several weeks). Once you have this on the ready, this drink is SO quick and easy. You can of course omit the rose water and make an even simpler matcha cashew latte, but the health benefits of rose water are abundant. Rose petals contain antioxidants and is said to enhance mood – together with the matcha, you’re bringing more than just a beautiful drink in to your life (even though I wouldn’t be upset if it just looked pretty). Starting the day in the best mood as possible is always a good idea!
Rose Water Recipe
- 1/4 cup dried rose petals (food grade quality)
- 1 1/2 cups water
Place water and rose petals into a small pot. Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and gently simmer on low for 10 minutes with the lid on. Once the petals have faded and the rose water is ready, turn off the burner and remove from heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature with the lid on. Pour through a nut bag (or layers of fine cheese cloth) to filter out the rose petals and voila… you have homemade rose water in a matter of minutes that will keep in your refrigerator in an air tight container for several weeks.
You can use the rose water for more than just tea – it’s delicious in all kinds of baked goods like cookies and cupcakes. You can even make a face spray (it’s said to reduce redness), toner, etc.
Matcha Cashew & Rose Latte
Makes 2 cups (or one large size mug)
- 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder (approximately 70 grams of caffeine per teaspoon)
- 2 cups of your favourite milk (I.e. coconut milk that’s not from a can or dairy)
- 20 cashews, raw and unsalted
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- Honey to taste
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth… and then go ahead and blend some more to ensure the powder has dissolved. Gently heat up the mixture in a small pot for a warm latte.
I have a milk frother that heats, froths, and makes my creamy drinks even creamier in a matter of seconds, but a simple pot will heat up your latte quickly and beautifully.
Will you guys be trying this? I’d love to know what you think. It’s not just a pretty drink!! I promise. Xo
