(Note: this post was originally published on April 18, 2024. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
If you want to romanticize your summer latte routine, you've come to the right place. This blue coconut matcha latte is fun, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer. The color makes me think of a tropical ocean!
Although it looks fancy, this latte is surprisingly easy to make. It consists of a coconut water matcha layer floated on top of a blue coconut milk layer, served over ice. You can either keep it simple or dress it up with coconut whip and/or your favorite tropical garnishes. Thanks to its versatility, you can enjoy this coconut matcha latte both for everyday sipping and for special occasions like brunch parties.
Because my husband and I spend winters on the northernmost Hawaiian island, I'm a huge fan of anything coconut. In fact, I have a whole guide to tropical vegan recipes, many of which feature this iconic island ingredient.
Ready to dive into this exotic ocean? Keep reading to get all my tips for how to make a blue matcha latte and how to create these beautiful layers.
Although food coloring is often used to make blue drinks, artificial coloring has been shown to have many negative health effects. Instead, I'm excited to introduce you to my all-natural (and healthful!) alternative.
To make a blue drink naturally, you can use blue spirulina. It's an edible algae, and a relative of the more common green spirulina. I find it works best if I dissolve the spirulina in a dash of room-temperature water first, then mix it into the rest of the drink after dissolving. As an added benefit, blue spirulina is very nutritious and is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Curious to learn more? I have a comprehensive guide for how to make blue drinks with blue spirulina.
For this tropical matcha latte in particular, you'll dissolve the blue spirulina in water and then mix it into some coconut milk with an optional dash of maple syrup; that forms the bottom layer of this drink. After that, you'll make the matcha shot and add it to some coconut water, which forms the top layer. Thanks to the combination of blue spirulina, antioxidant-rich matcha, and electrolyte-rich coconut water, this summery sip is a nutritional powerhouse.
There are a lot of ways you can switch up this island-inspired coconut matcha latte to make it work for you. Although using coconut milk provides the most tropical flavor, you can also use soy, chickpea, or oat milk (soy and chickpea are the most protein-rich options). Note that almond milk won't work as well since it's less dense, which will cause the two layers to mix more. You can sweeten the milk slightly with a dash of maple syrup or omit it for a drink that's free of added sugar.
For the top layer, I like to make my matcha shot with coconut water; it creates a delightful flavor and is a great source of electrolytes. However it will work fine with regular water too. In that case, I definitely suggest using coconut milk for the bottom layer so there is at least some coconut flavor.
Want to add even more electrolytes? I always add a squeeze of Buoy electrolyte drops, which are unsweetened and unflavored. Using these drops has made such a big difference in my overall hydration and health. If you shop through the link, you can save 20%.
Finally, feel free to dress this ocean-hued blue matcha latte up as much or as little as you like. I've shown coconut whip in some of these photos but you could also use almond whip, oat whip, edible flowers, a pineapple slice, or anything else that makes you feel tropical.
Here's what you'll need for this tropical matcha latte recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
If you love matcha, then you've come to the right place. I'm a huge matcha fan and have lots of matcha recipes here for you to explore. If you're interested in other matcha drinks, you'll love this Vanilla Lilac Matcha Latte for spring, this Honey Fig Matcha Latte for fall, this White Chocolate Macadamia Matcha Latte when you want an indulgent treat, and this Orange Blossom Matcha Latte for year-round. This simple Salted Maple Matcha Latte is my personal daily go-to. Matcha works great in a smoothie too; I make this Green Protein Smoothie every morning for breakfast.
Like matcha treats? For an easy, satisfying nibble, check out this Honey Matcha Freezer Fudge. If you're a chocolate lover, I think you'll enjoy these Raw Vegan Matcha Brownie Bites. If you want a cozy baked treat, you'll love these White Chocolate Macadamia Matcha Cookies. Over the holidays, you'll go crazy for this Christmas Matcha Puppy Chow.
Since matcha plays a starring role in this blue matcha latte, you'll want to make sure you use a premium matcha that's bright green and has a delicate flavor with no grassy or bitter notes. My go-to is Matcha Nude; it's the only matcha I use at home and I recommend it so highly. Use the code ROGUE to get 15% off your order.
This blue matcha latte is eye-catching, fun, and nutritious, so there's no reason not to enjoy it every day all spring and summer long. The combination of blue spirulina and matcha means this drink is packed with antioxidants, the spirulina adds some nourishing vitamins and minerals, and the coconut water adds great electrolytes. Depending on what plant milk you use, this tropical latte can also be a good source of protein.
How will you enjoy this whimsical coconut matcha latte? Perhaps outdoors, sitting by a pool, and lounging in the sun? Perhaps for a fancy spring brunch party? However you savor it, I can't wait for you to try this recipe; I've made it probably a hundred times and it's my favorite way to take my matcha ritual to a whole new level.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
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Disclosure: Matcha Nude is a long-term partner. I receive free product from Matcha Nude and take a small commission on sales using the discount code. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This blue matcha latte is the perfect summer morning sip. The combination of coconut water, coconut milk, and the tropical ocean color will make you feel like you're sitting on a beach!
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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