Matcha Milkshakes for the Perfect Sunset Stroll

When our friend (and nose) Maddy showed us the viral matcha milkshake trend, we knew we had to try it. Having just returned from Japan, I had quite the stockpile of ceremonial grade matcha from Kyoto, the matcha capital of the world. We decided to meet in the park just before dusk so we could taste test and walk during sunset. While most of the videos we’ve seen have used vanilla and strawberry milkshakes, we decided to go with vanilla and Neapolitan. Neapolitan is off menu at In-N-Out, but if you go somewhere else most places will mix the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla for you. 

I was certain that vanilla matcha milkshake would be the absolute hit, but I was shocked to find the Neapolitan blended perfectly with the earthiness of the matcha. The vanilla matcha shake was a pure delight, clean and grassy in the best way, the bitterness of the tea neutralizing the sweetness of the shake to a perfect level. But the Neapolitan’s chocolate and strawberry added so much dimension in an expected way. Maddy thought it almost tasted roasted, like a houjicha. For all three of us taste testers, the Neapolitan was the clear winner, but I would never turn down a vanilla matcha milkshake. There were no losers in this game!

To Matcha-fy your own Milkshakes, here are a few tips:

1.  Make sure your matcha is good quality. You don’t have to spring for ceremonial grade tea, but make sure it hasn’t oxidized which will make the powder look greyish. Look for a bright green or rich green color.

2.  We used 5 grams of matcha for each 15 oz milkshake. I made our matcha “slurry” at home first and made sure to press the matcha through a sieve to break up clumps. This will keep the mixture silky and not grainy.

3.  I added 60-75 ml of water per 5 grams of matcha and made sure the water was around 175 degrees F. If the water is too hot it will burn your matcha.

4.  Make sure you soak your tea whisk in hot water for a minute or so before using it to mix your matcha.

5.  When you whisk your matcha, make sure you whisk in a zigzag formation, not just in circles.

Watch our video to see real time reactions and a surprise visit from our coyote friend! Plus, take a look at how beautiful the sky was on our walk. We took it as a sign from above to matcha-fy more milkshakes!

Check out our Sunset Walk Inspired Goodies: