Anyone else love coffee? I mean LOVE coffee?! Me too, sis. Coffee has always been sacred for me. Especially growing up in a Cuban family, with the smell of espresso roaming the halls and welcoming us out of bed in the morning or enjoying a cafecito after dinner. Coffee is an integral part of our culture. I had no intention of not drinking with coffee anymore until earlier this year, but I decided to make the switch to see if I felt a positive difference in my hormone and energy levels, and now I absolutely love matcha lattes! The beautiful, vibrant green color and the incredible benefits of a matcha latte are enough to make anyone want to try it.
Matcha has an anti-stress and cortisol reducing effect thanks to a compound called L-theanine that is naturally produced.
Matcha also includes Tryptophan, which is vital for helping your body make serotonin. Matcha can give you a mood boost!
ECGC, the most abundant antioxidant in matcha, is a powerful anti-inflammatory for the brain. Regular consumption can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson’s.
Research shows that matcha boosts your metabolism and can help increase your body’s fat-burning abilities.
This summer, I loved sipping iced matcha lattes and have noticed more of a calming effect when I drink them! They don't interfere with my sleep either (boosting serotonin means that serotonin can be converted to melatonin at night) and just so happen to be one of my favorite colors. Now summer has slipped away into fall, and it’s fun to indulge in the quintessential fall traditions and treats. I'm all about cozy sweaters (bonus: it's currently sweater and shorts season, which is divine!), sitting by a fire, hot cider, and Halloween these days! One of the most noteworthy festive fall staples, of course, is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. People go crazy over this drink and even celebrate the Starbucks release! Others absolutely hate it, and personally, PSLs are not my thing-- but I do love pumpkin spice mix and all things cinnamon, so on a whim, I decided to try to make a pumpkin spice matcha and I LOVED it! There is something about the lightly sweet and slightly earthy flavor of matcha that blends so well with the warmth of pumpkin spice. It's a beautiful, comforting taste, and the surprising combination makes it so much fun! You can't help but have a great morning when you're drinking one of these! No matter where you stand on the PSL debate, the Pumpkin Spice Matcha makes the perfect unique, seasonal latte!
Pumpkin Spice Matcha Recipe Ingredients:
½ teaspoon of ceremonial matcha
¼ teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix
1 ounce of boiling water
6-8 ounces of non-dairy milk of choice
2 tablespoons of non-dairy caramel flavored creamer (or you can use vanilla)
Optional:
Coconut whipped cream
A little pumpkin spice & matcha for sprinkling
Directions:
Bring water to a boil and heat non-dairy milk + creamer on the stove using low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
While the liquids heat, put matcha and pumpkin spice into your favorite mug.
Pour a little boiling water over the pumpkin spice matcha mix and whisk with a fork until it’s dissolved.
When the milk heats to your desired temperature, pour it into the mug while mixing so that everything evenly blends.
If you want, add coconut whipped cream and sprinkle a little bit of pumpkin spice and matcha on top!
I can't wait for you to enjoy this tasty beverage during your morning routine while you're working from home or with a friend over brunch. It's such a unique, yet cozy way to embrace the magic of fall!
I'd love it if you snap a photo or video on your Instagram stories and tag me @audreysgeyer so that we can have a Pumpkin Spice Matcha together!