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I remember the first time I tried matcha. I was visiting a small tea shop in Kyoto, and the barista prepared a traditional matcha ceremony. The bitter, earthy notes were so different from anything I'd ever tasted! It wasn't love at first sip, I'll admit, but something about it intrigued me. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with matcha, trying to find ways to make it more accessible and enjoyable for those who might be intimidated by its unique flavor. And hey I think this is a very cool drink for you.
One sunny afternoon, while sipping on my usual matcha latte, I peeled a tangerine. The bright, citrusy aroma mingled with the earthy matcha, and a lightbulb went off! Why not combine these two seemingly disparate flavors? The result was a revelation – the tangerine's sweetness and tanginess perfectly balanced the matcha's slight bitterness, creating a harmonious and incredibly refreshing drink. This Matcha Tangerine Twist is now a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait to share it with you.
Making this drink is a breeze. You don’t need any fancy equipment or barista skills. Just a few simple ingredients, a whisk, and a little bit of patience is all that you need and that will be enough to craft a beverage that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The vibrant green of the matcha against the bright orange of the tangerine creates a stunning contrast that will impress your friends and family. Ready to give it a try? Let's get started!
Elevate your tea time with this Matcha Tangerine Twist, a vibrant blend of earthy matcha and zesty tangerine. This delightful concoction is easy to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for a refreshing treat any time of day.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Tangerine Juice: Begin by peeling 2-3 fresh tangerines. Remove any seeds and pith to avoid bitterness. Use a juicer or blend the tangerine segments and strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. You should aim for about 1/2 cup (120ml) of fresh tangerine juice. (Sometimes I just get the ready-made, but fresh is best).
Sift the Matcha Powder: In a small bowl, sift 1 teaspoon (2g) of high-quality matcha powder. This step is crucial to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth, even consistency in your drink. Nobody wants a lumpy latte. Trust me.
Whisk the Matcha: Add 2 tablespoons of hot (not boiling) water (around 175°F or 80°C) to the sifted matcha powder. Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a regular whisk to whisk the matcha vigorously in a zig-zag motion until a smooth, frothy paste forms. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch, just make sure to break up all the clumps.
Combine the Ingredients: In a glass or mug, pour the fresh tangerine juice. Gently add the whisked matcha paste on top of the tangerine juice. The matcha will naturally settle, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Add Milk (Optional): If you prefer a latte-style drink, gently pour 1 cup (240ml) of your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy) over the matcha and tangerine juice. For a warmer drink, heat the milk beforehand. For a colder drink, use chilled milk.
Sweeten to Taste (Optional): If you like your drink a bit sweeter, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey, agave syrup, or your favorite sweetener. Stir well to combine. I actually like to use simple syrup made with brown sugar it adds a little caramel taste to it.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your Matcha Tangerine Twist with a tangerine slice or a sprinkle of matcha powder on top. You can also add a small sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Matcha Tangerine Twist immediately while it’s fresh and the flavors are at their best. This drink is delicious both hot and cold, so feel free to adjust the temperature to your liking. My friend John likes to drink it on ice, but I prefer it warm on a cold day.
📝 Notes
For a stronger matcha flavor, use 1.5 tsp of matcha powder.
Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor.