RECIPES: Matcha drinks

Don't miss out on this trendy and healthy alternative to coffee

HOUSTON – There is a popular green brew prepared during Japanese tea ceremonies that is becoming more and more popular for people trying to get their caffeine fix in a healthier way. It’s called matcha and it’s an antioxidant-rich powder.

“It’s a good alternative to coffee. It has a lot of great things for you, gives you natural energy, boosts your metabolism. It's a great thing to drink,” said Julio Arevalo, co-owner of Coffee-Q, who serves matcha drinks in his popular food truck.

“The good thing about the tea is that you can make different drinks to give it a flavor, but it is pretty much a green tea,” said Arevalo, who stopped by our studio to share great recipes to get you into switching to this form of green tea.

To see the complete interview, watch the video above.

Matcha Base

- Use 5 scoops of matcha and add it to matcha bowl with 2 ounces of boiled water. Then use a tea whisk to mix the matcha. For added flavor you can add sugar at this point.
After the matcha has been whisked for about 2 to 3 minutes, you will add it to 8 ounces of purified water.

This is your base to make different matcha drinks.

Coconut Matcha Tea
Add 4 ounces of matcha base to the 4 ounces of coconut water and then add ice. Enjoy.

Matcha and Vanilla Almond Latte

Add 4 ounces of matcha base to 4 ounces of almond milk and 2 squirts of vanilla.
Serve hot or cold.

Matcha Lemonade
Mix 4 ounces of matcha base with 4 ounces of fresh lemonade. Add ice. Enjoy

 

Recipes provided by: Julio Arevalo