I have winter on the brain. Just a few months ago I was waxing romantically about pumpkins and fall. But there’s nothing like winter in the city. Falling snow illuminated by street lamps, snow frosted sidewalks, cuddled up on the couch while the world outside turns white; I love it all.

“Matcha Key notes:
•A finely ground green tea.
•One of the oldest styles of tea in Japan.
•Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony – Chanoyu – centers around the preparation and serving of matcha.
•Grown in the shade to increase Chlorophyll levels creating a vibrant shade of green.
”

Who knows when old man winter will decide to greet us here, so I don’t want to be caught unprepared. I’ve got a new winter coat and snow boots on order. Knit myself a new scarf, bought matching gloves. I’m ready. All that’s left to decide is what I’ll be drinking. Snow days are the perfect couch potato days complete with hot cocktails.

Awhile back I met up with a friend for brunch. In lieu of my usual morning coffee I decided to try a Matcha Latte for the first time. The first sip was magical. The sweet nutty flavors tickled and teased my palate. The earthiness of the matcha green tea felt good to my soul. I left the café that day giddy with joy. I knew I had to recreate that feeling for my snow day cocktail.

White Chocolate Matcha Latte

6 oz ( ¾ cup) Milk

¼ cup white chocolate chips

1 tsp matcha powder (culinary grade)

2 0z (¼ cup) boiling water

¾ oz Grand Marnier (optional)

¾ oz Vodka (optional)

1. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between intervals.
2. Over medium heat, bring milk to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low.
4. Stir in melted white chocolate.
5. Remove milk from heat.
6. In a heatproof cup, add matcha powder.
7. Whisk in boiling water. Whisk until there are no clumps.
8. Stir in Grand Marnier and Vodka.
9. Top with milk and stir.

The use of white chocolate in this recipe compliments the matcha well and adds just the right amount of sweetness. The Grand Marnier lifts the matcha up, providing a bright citrus element. I chose to go with Vodka because I wanted a “team player” type of spirit. I didn’t want to interrupt the great flavor or overshadow the matcha.

I’m in love with this Matcha Latte recipe. My only fear is that my matcha tea may not last to see the first snow day. This latte is too good to wait.

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