Recipes
Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha
By Katie Stewart · November 17, 2023 · 4 min read
Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha
With the holiday season beginning to sprinkle its magic all around, the allure of festive drinks from coffee shops is hard to resist. However, these tempting beverages are often filled with sugars and additives that can set back your skincare goals.
Don’t worry, we’ve got a cozy alternative for you! Enter the Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha. It’s just as deliciously festive but with a wholesome spin that won’t jeopardize your skin.
Brimming with antioxidant-rich matcha, sensual white chocolate, and the invigorating kick of peppermint, this beverage proves that festive can also mean healthy.
The Power of Matcha
Matcha, the superstar of the recipe, is a potent type of green tea. The whole tea leaves are ground into a fine powder which offers a concentrated burst of benefits.
Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha is bursting with polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. They work to protect against cell damage and prevent chronic diseases. These antioxidants have been linked to improved skin health, including protection from UV damage and enhancement of skin integrity.
Boosts Brain Health
L-Theanine, a component found in matcha, has been linked to stress reduction, a key focus area for our clients in The Clear Skin Solution. It works alongside caffeine to enhance brain function and alertness, while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress-related symptoms, thereby contributing to overall skin health.
Enhances Calm
Thanks to the presence of the amino acid l-theanine, matcha promotes relaxation and mental clarity without inducing drowsiness or increasing anxious feelings associated with the caffeine found in coffee.
Want more matcha recipes? Check out:
- Matcha Latte (the OG recipe!)
- Iced Matcha Latte (save this for summer)
- Matcha Mint Cookies (perfect alongside a latte)
The Refreshing Zing of Peppermint
Peppermint isn’t just there to add a refreshing note to this warm holiday drink, it also comes with its own set of health benefits:
- Promotes Digestive Health: Peppermint, with its active ingredient menthol, can relax gastrointestinal tract muscles, helping alleviate symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and bloating and has proven helpful for those suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
- Boosts Energy: The aroma of peppermint oil can improve focus and concentration, providing a natural energy boost.
The Creaminess of Coconut Milk
Adding to the health benefits of the Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha is coconut milk. This dairy-free alternative is known for its sweet taste and smooth texture, but it also offers a range of health benefits.
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a type of saturated fat linked to improved cholesterol levels and heart health. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may aid weight loss, body composition, and metabolism. MCTs can also help improve gut health by combating harmful bacteria.
The Smooth Indulgence of Cacao Butter
This festive Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha would not be complete without mentioning the white chocolate – aka cacao butter! This rich, creamy ingredient is extracted from the cacao bean and adds a luxurious texture. Beyond its culinary contributions, cacao butter offers notable health benefits.
It’s rich in antioxidants which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall health and wellness. Additionally, cacao butter is an excellent source of healthy fats and vitamins, particularly vitamin E, which is essential for maintaining skin health. It’s the perfect ingredient to round out this delicious, holiday beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk (see notes)
- 1-2 tsp raw honey or pure maple syrup (personal preference)
- 1 tsp matcha tea powder (see notes)
- 1" chunk raw cacao butter (see note)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract (see notes)
Optional
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm your coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure not to let it boil; it should only be heated until hot to the touch.
- If using a blender, pour hot milk into the container and add remaining ingredients. Blend on high until well combined. Pour into a mug and enjoy.
- If using a milk frother, add the cacao butter to the hot milk. Stir and continue heating until melted.
- Turn off the heat and add remaining ingredients. Froth until well combined with a light layer of foam on top. Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Notes
- Milk: You can use any of your favourite unsweetened non-dairy milk. I use my homemade Coconut-Cashew milk made in my Almond Cow.
- Matcha: My two favourite brands are Domatcha (Canada) and Matcha Kari (US)
- Cacao Butter: You can source raw cacao butter from health food stores, natural section of the grocery store, some bulk food stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
- Peppermint Extract: Alternatively, you can add a ½ or 1 whole drop of a culinary grade peppermint essential oil.