Matcha Lattes
Anyone who knows me, knows my love for matcha. It’s really really strong. So much so that it’s become a personality trait of mine. A little weird? Maybe, but I can’t help it. Let me explain where the love started. Years ago, in my Sophomore year of High School (I think), I tried a matcha latte for the first time with my best friend Kelly. I only took a sip of hers, but I hated it. Everyone says it tastes like grass but for some reason I thought it tasted like cardboard. I remember thinking how on earth does she drink this? I went on with my life till about a year later when I had the most random urge for a matcha latte. At first I thought I was crazy, but I gave in and went to Starbucks anyway. After that, I never looked back. I was in love. Kelly was right the whole time, it was amazing. It’s an acquired taste for sure, but sometimes I wonder if that matcha latte just wasn’t made well. Because how could my taste buds change so drastically in one year?
About another year later, COVID hit, and I was left with nothing to do. Driving to Starbucks for a matcha latte was one of my only joys that got me out of the house for a short time. Listening to my music during the drive was therapeutic and freeing; it made this small routine even more exciting. So yeah, matcha holds a special place in my heart far beyond the fact that I love the taste of it. One day, I decided I wanted to start making my own matcha lattes, I mean I was a barista after all. So, I bought everything I needed and learned how to make them. Spoiler alert – it’s super easy. Making it myself ensures that it will be properly shaken and mixed up. It’s very frustrating when the matcha powder is floating in the drink going to waste, or when it’s too milky and doesn’t even taste like matcha. But alas, the experience of going to get my $5 drink is unmatched and simply needed sometimes. My go-to order is a grande iced matcha latte with 1 pump of vanilla syrup and 4 scoops of matcha powder (for a powerful matcha flavor). If I’m feeling adventurous, I might even pay the extra 70¢ for almond milk.
