Matcha · Drinks

Lychee Matcha Latte with Lychee Cream Cheese Foam

Lychee matcha latte is the drink that made me fall in love with the idea of combining tropical fruit with earthy matcha. The natural sweetness of lychee softens the grassy notes of the matcha and adds a delicate, perfumed quality that feels genuinely luxurious. It is refreshing, a little unexpected, and beautiful in a clear glass over ice. The colour contrast between the pale lychee base and the bright green matcha poured on top is one of the prettiest things in my recipe collection. This is the latte to make when you want something that feels like a treat from a really good cafe.

Ingredients

Matcha Base

• 3g matcha powder
• 30g hot water (175°F)
• 10g maple syrup
• 100ml milk of your choice

• 2 tbsp lychee syrup (from the can)

Lychee Cream Cheese Foam

• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 3 tbsp lychee syrup
• 1 tsp cream cheese

Method

1. 1Sift matcha powder into a small bowl.
2. 2Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 175°F, then pour into the tea bowl with the matcha.
3. 3Add maple syrup and whisk vigorously for 15 seconds in an "M" shape until smooth and frothy.
4. 4For the lychee cream cheese foam, whisk together heavy cream, lychee syrup, and cream cheese until thickened and foamy.
5. 5Add ice to a glass, pour in lychee syrup and milk, then slowly pour the matcha on top.
6. 6Spoon the lychee cream cheese foam over the top.

Tips & Notes

Fresh lychees are wonderful when in season but canned work perfectly here too. The natural sweetness of lychee means you may not need much additional sweetener. This latte is particularly beautiful served over ice with a few fresh lychees as garnish.