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Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

There’s just something nice about having a nice cup of iced tea in the summer time, especially when it’s sweltering hot outside and you’re trying to find some relief in the shade. I’m all for pairing some matcha with something floral, especially if it winds up tasting good and the lavender and matcha combination did not disappoint!

Iced Lavender Matcha Latte – Serves 1

2 teaspoons matcha
100ml warm water
1 tablespoon Lavender Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
200ml milk
Ice

In the matcha preparing vessel of your choice, prepare the matcha powder with water.
Once mixed, stir in Lavender Simple Syrup.
In a glass, add ice cubes, followed by sweetened matcha.
Top with milk product of your choice (I use unsweetened organic soy milk).
Garnish with lavender buds.

It takes a bit of effort to make that Lavender Simple Syrup – but it’s so worth it to get that floral flavour into your drinks! I use the same Lavender Simple Syrup in my London Fog (Earl Grey Latte) recipe.

Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe & Directions

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lavender buds

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat.
Allow mixture to come to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Turn off heat and allow the simple syrup to cool.
Pour simple syrup into a jar or container, use a sieve to strain out lavender buds.

Store Lavender Simple Syrup in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

If you make this Iced Lavender Matcha Latte, I’d love to see your photos! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@onemoresteep #onemoresteep) or comment below with a link to the photo!

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The Easiest Way to Prepare Matcha Ever

I’ve talked about a few different methods of preparing matcha before. My personal preference is also the most traditional – having a bowl and a bamboo whisk. I also go through the process of sifting the matcha before whisking and it’s a bit methodical and calming in the process. But I also understand that this right method is not for everyone. And sometimes it’s not even the right method for me.

Some people are always on the go. Some people don’t want to go through the motions just to get a cup of matcha (but, let’s face it, knowing how to make it in a traditional fashion is also a great thing to know – and I discuss it in my post called The Basics of Preparing Matcha). But this isn’t a post about how to make it in the traditional way, or how many pieces of equipment you need. This is so dead simple, you’ll be wondering how you didn’t think of it already because you already own something that you can use for this.

Are you ready?

Find a small tight fitting jar of your choice (I used a mason jar).
Add in the matcha of your choice (I used about 1 teaspoon).
Top up with water, leaving some headspace. You don’t need to use warm water!
Put the lid on, tighten it up.
Shake!
You’ll know it’s done when you don’t see clumped up matcha on the bottom and when there’s some nice froth on top.

No sifting, no whisk, no bowls required.

You can take that jar with you or pour it out into another cup.

Matcha is a suspension, which means that the powder doesn’t dissolve into the water. So you don’t need warm or hot water. Cold water works just fine! Because it is a suspension (much like a nice miso soup), you’ll notice that after a period of time, it’ll be darker on the bottom and lighter on the top. Just make sure the lid is on tight again, and give it a good shake.

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Almost Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Just under a week to go before the big day of love… if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day. Alternative names also include Galentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day (often celebrated February 15th), or just… Sunday, February 14th. Whatever it is that you’re celebrating, and however you choose to do so, let’s talk about some potential gift ideas.

And these are not in any particular order.

A new tea mug or cup and saucer set is always well-appreciated by that tea enthusiast in your life. Bonus points will be given for items with red, pink, or white florals over hearts because it’ll be less in-your-face Valentine’s and have more everyday use potential. While most tea lovers would also love a tea set, those take up considerably more room, so tread lightly unless you’re more certain about their likes and dislikes. This doesn’t have to be expensive! I’ve gotten some super cute and love-themed teaware from my locally owned dollar stores before (see: above).

Cute tea spoons are always a win. I personally love a nice floral design and they tend to come in sets – perfect for those at-home tea parties that people are having these days. There’s also options for different finishes as well – rose gold, silver or a rainbow sheen would be lovely to use. You can go with more modern styles (and get them delivered right to the door) or brave going into a thrift store or antique mall to get something with real silver plating or with a nice patina to it. This option could be as inexpensive or wallet-emptying as you want it to be.

Do you know their favourite tea brand or type of tea? Get a new tin or box of tea, wrap it up nicely and add a red bow. People have different love languages, but taking the time to notice what your loved one’s favourite is and putting that knowledge into motion is definitely top Valentine’s Day points. This is only a viable option if you can get it quick in the post or stopping into a shop to purchase it in time for this up-coming Sunday.

Self-care is the buzz word of the year (and of last year as well) and there’s nothing more pleasant than being able to take more time than normal for yourself to take care of yourself. Whether that be carving out some time to read a book, enjoy a face mask, or a bubble bath, it can all be done in the luxury of a soaking tub… So why not make it a bundled self-care gift? Get your hands on a lovely over the tub tray, include a nice face mask, new wine glass or tea cup, some tea (looseleaf would be stellar!), and couple it all with a bath bomb or bottle of bubble bath. Turn down those lights, include some scented candles and you’ve got yourself a winner. Yes, this gift giving option includes more legwork and effort from you, but I just put together a shopping list for you – so get out there and make it happen!