Coconut Matcha Frappuccino
Between coffee and tea, I’ll always go for tea. Especially green tea. B says my blood is actually comprised of green tea… very dilute green tea (“water” as he calls it) – just the way I like to drink my tea.
Also, I have a great affinity for coconuts. B (being the devoted fiance) has chopped probably almost a hundred coconuts for me over the past 5 years. B also says the part of my blood that’s not green tea is coconut juice.
As I’ve been back in California several times over the last few months for medical conferences, residency interviews, and (right now) visiting the future in-laws , I’m always astounded by the sheer number of Asians as well as the Asian influences – the best one being snacks and desserts of course. From sesame shaved ice to coconut mochi to green tea cakes, I’ve gained, er, a few pounds on the interview trail.
One of my favorite indulgences is the Starbucks frappuccino. For a student on a budget (not only money-wise, but also calorie-wise), this recipe is a great alternative, all while adding my favorite asian flavors. Also, it’s vegan friendly (yup, I’m definitely in NorCal/Bay Area right now).
I’ve mixed up the matcha frappe with coconut milk, made by grating of the white inner flesh of a brown coconut. This adds an awesome rich flavor that other milks just don’t have. Again, I’m working with the awesome Aiya matcha to bring you this fun frappe – that gorgeous green color is 100% real.
I love the artsy colors. Layering matcha with the coconut milk makes it super pretty.
The peak of my artsiness and creativity was during college – a lifetime ago! Visiting Stanford years later now, I’ve been astonished by all the changes in the art department – a brand new building and and a gorgeous new art museum. Alas, my old art studios lie half demolished (“Good riddance, I spent many midnights in that horrible studio cleaning your paintbrushes as a sign of my undying love” – B).
I won’t bore you with rehashing all the superfood and health benefits of matcha, as you can read about matcha facts in my other recipes – Ombre Matcha Lemon Cake and Mini Green Tea and Chocolate Mousse Cake. Enjoy this delicious drink!
Coconut Matcha Frappuccino
Ingredients
2 cups almond milk
1 tbsp Aiya matcha
1 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cup ice cubes, crushed
1/2 cup coconut milk
whipped cream
black sesame seeds, to garnish
Directions
Divide the almond milk into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup. In a blender, blend 1 1/2 cups of the almond milk, matcha, honey, and ice.
In a mason jar, combine coconut milk and the remaining 1/2 cup of almond milk. To layer the frappucino, carefully scoop the blended matcha so it floats on top of the coconut/almond milk mixture. Serve in a tall glass topped generously with whipped cream and black sesame seeds. Enjoy!
This looks beautiful! I love the way the different layers swirl together. Gonna try to make it sometime 🙂
~ Karen
This looks delicious!! And far healthier than a Starbucks drink!
This looks like an art project! Almost too pretty to drink 😉 buuuut I think I could make that happen! Totally trying this tomorrow morning for breakfast!
It looks great! I love adding coconut to things instead of milk or yoghurt. Gives a really unique taste as well as being non-dairy.
oh god this sounds so yummy!!!
This looks amazing! I live in SoCal, so I can definitely relate to the health/ homemade vibe 😀 I did a post on the homemade PSL from Starbucks last year, and it tasted so much better than the one from Startbucks. This one looks so yummy, I'll have to give the recipe a try, thanks for sharing!! Have fun while you are in Cali!
-Kelsie
Design Life Diaries
Woah! This looks amazing. I have coffee envy.
i hope you won't hold it against me, but i just don't like the flavor of matcha! i still think this is a beautiful creation though. 🙂
This is absolutely gorgeous and it sounds so good! I've been lusting after matcha to make recipes for ages, and this might just be the perfect thing to start with!
Oh drool. This looks amazing! I have to try this.
Oh man I've seen the way you drink your green tea! Bryan's comment about your very dilute tea is accurate. After the tenth reuse of the same tea bag, you still refuse to change for a fresh one XP
Yes! Way less sugar and so much cheaper too.
Indeed – I could frame it. Hope you enjoyed it Cami 🙂
Coconut is one of my favorite flavors. I'm not lactose intolerant (luckily), but I have lots of friends who are so they love these non dairy recipes
Your blog is too cute! I agree the homemade PSL >>>> the original
It can be an acquired taste since it's bitter. Some people (like my friends) are just not tea people haha. One day you'll see the light 😉
There's so many elaborate matcha recipes online, but I like starting with drinks because it's so easy! 🙂
Haters gonna hate 😛
I have not had Matcha before but it seems like it's the new trend!
I adore your writing style LOL- I just got a blendtec & for the price tag, I really wanna put it to use. Green Matcha is my newest superfood buy- adore this recipe. Gonna try it tonight 🙂