Clarified milk punches are the craze of the cocktail world. Here we use the technique to create an unexpectedly clear matcha latte mocktail. The clarification process removes the solids and any undissolved matcha powder, leaving a smooth, crystal-clear drink behind with all the flavor intact. (Please note: While clarified punches with alcohol can be kept in the refrigerator indefinitely, this one will last about a week in the fridge)
Clarified Tropical Matcha Latte Mocktail
Serves: 4
- 1 tbsp culinary-grade matcha
- 1 c pineapple juice
- 1 c ginger vanilla simple syrup, recipe below
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 5 cups whole milk
- sprinkling of matcha sugar, optional, recipe below
Equipment
- Strainer or pour-over coffee filter holder
- Coffee filters or cheesecloth
- Whisk the matcha into 2 cups hot water and allow to cool.
- Add all other ingredients except the milk.
- Pour 4 cups of milk into a pitcher or large storage container. Add the matcha mixture to the milk and stir. Cover, and store in refrigerator overnight.
- The next day the milk solids will have sunk to the bottom. Slowly strain the mixture through the coffee filter to remove solids. (This will take a while and may require more than one filter.) Discard solids and chill.
- To serve: Add chilled beverage to glasses (with ice or served up). Froth remaining 1 cup of milk and float on top of each glass. Top with a sprinkling of matcha sugar (recipe below).
Ginger Vanilla Simple Syrup
This delicious syrup can be used for a variety of purposes, including our favorite, pouring it over icecream!
Makes 2 cups
- 2” knob of fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Bring all ingredients to a simmer, stirring gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Turn off heat and allow to steep until cool.
- Strain out solids and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Matcha Sugar
We keep this as a stape in our kitchen (think of it as a twist on cinnamon sugar, good on everything!)
Makes 1/2 cups
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp matcha
- Bring all ingredients to a simmer, stirring gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Turn off heat and allow to steep until cool.
- Strain out solids and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.