Are you a fan of lattes (like me)? If so, have you ever heard of Sakura lattes? If not, you’re missing out on a delicious beverage gaining popularity worldwide. A Sakura latte is a Japanese-inspired drink made with milk and cherry blossom syrup.
The popularity of this type of latte has grown in recent years, with coffee shops and cafes across the globe adding it to their menus. The drink is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with a pale pink color reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
Keep reading to learn more about this dainty drink.
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What is a Sakura Latte?
A Sakura latte combines tea, steamed milk, and Sakura powder (or syrup).
Sakura, also known as cherry blossoms, is a flower that blooms in Japan during the spring season. During the season, many Japanese people gather to enjoy “hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing parties, where they admire the beautiful pink flowers and celebrate the arrival of spring. It symbolizes renewal and new beginnings and is highly regarded in the country’s culture.
Japanese cuisine often uses Sakura petals to add a delicate floral flavor.
There are many ways to add the Sakura flavor to a latte. Many recipes call for the addition of Sakura-flavored powder or syrup.
In other recipes, Sakura green tea is used. This can refer to green tea infused with the fragrance of Sakura petals or a blend of green tea and Sakura petals.
On the same line, blends of black tea and Sakura petals are in the market. These are often used to prepare Sakura milk tea.
Ingredients of a Sakura Latte
To make a delicious Sakura Latte, you will need the following ingredients:
Tea Leaves
The drink’s base is typically green tea, but you can also use other types of tea like, black, oolong, or hojicha (roasted tea).
You can also use a blend of green or black tea with Sakura petals.
Sakura Syrup or Powder
Sakura powder is created by carefully drying cherry blossom petals and then grinding them into a fine powder.
Sakura syrup is made by infusing cherry blossom petals or leaves in a simple syrup solution.
You may not need syrup or powder if you use a Sakura tea blend. However, I recommend having one of them at hand to boost the Sakura flavor of your drink or add the final touches to it.
You should not have problems finding these products in a supermarket specializing in Asian products or online.
Milk
Whole milk is the most commonly used type of milk. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk as a vegan option.
Sweeteners
You can use sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or any other sweetener to sweeten. Some people prefer condensed milk to add sweetness and creaminess to the drink.
Additional Ingredients
Apart from the main ingredients, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your sakura latte. Some popular choices include:
- Salt: A pinch of salt can balance out the sweetness and add depth to the flavor.
- Vanilla Syrup
- Pickled cherry blossoms (for garnish)
- Strawberry sauce (for garnish)
The ingredients you choose will depend on your taste preferences and availability.
Making a Sakura Latte
Here’s how you can make a Sakura latte at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf tea (green, black, or blend with Sakura petals)
- 1 tablespoon Sakura powder or syrup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh cherry blossoms or edible dried cherry blossoms for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brew the Black Tea
- Place the tea bag or loose-leaf tea in a heatproof cup or mug.
- Pour 1 cup of hot water over the tea.
- Steep the tea depending on the type. For green tea, steep for 1-3 minutes. For black tea, steep for 3-5 minutes. Read package instructions for exact details.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the loose-leaf tea and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sakura Latte
- In a separate small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of Sakura powder.
- Pour a small amount of the brewed tea (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the Sakura powder.
- Stir vigorously until the Sakura powder completely dissolves and forms a smooth paste.
- Skip this step if you are using Sakura syrup.
3. Heat the Milk
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, heat the milk over low to medium heat on the stovetop or microwave until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
4. Make the Sakura Latte
- Once the milk is hot, please remove it from the heat source.
- Add the Sakura paste (or Sakura syrup) from Step 2 to the hot milk.
- Add honey or your preferred sweetener to the mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
- If desired, add a splash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
- Continue to heat the milk over low heat while stirring until it’s heated, but do not let it boil.
- Once the mix is well combined, please remove it from the heat source.
- If you have a milk frother, you can froth the milk until it’s creamy and has a nice foam on top. If you don’t have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously with a regular whisk. You can skip this step, but frothing the milk adds a beautiful texture to the latte.
5. Serve the Sakura Latte
- Pour 1/2 cup of the brewed tea into your favorite mug or serving glass.
- Slowly pour the heated milk into the cup, holding back the foam with a spoon to allow the liquid to pour first.
- Gently stir until well combined. Spoon the foam on top of the latte if you frothed the milk.
- Optionally, garnish your latte with fresh cherry blossoms or edible dried cherry blossoms for a beautiful presentation.
- Allow the latte to cool slightly before enjoying it, as it can be quite hot.
Enjoy the delicate cherry blossom flavor in this comforting Sakura latte, which combines the rich taste of tea with the floral notes of Sakura powder. Adjust the sweetness and add vanilla to suit your taste preferences.
Sakura Latte Variations
Here are some of the most popular Sakura latte variations:
Espresso Sakura Latte
If you’re looking for a simpler version of a Sakura latte, replace the tea (in the recipe we provided in the previous section) with a shot of espresso or strong coffee. The combination of ingredients creates a rich and bold flavor.
To add a grassy, earthy flavor to your drink, add 2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the milk and Sakura powder mix. Whisk well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Iced Sakura Latte
For an iced Sakura latte, add ice cubes to your glass and pour the mixture over it. Garnish with strawberry sauce, Sakura powder, or rose petals.
Starbucks-style Iced Sakura Latte
Add ice to a glass and pour 1 cup of strawberry milk. Add 2 teaspoons of matcha powder and 1 tablespoon of Sakura cherry blossom powder. Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar and stir well. Top with whipped cream, cherry blossom syrup, and fresh cherries.
Starbucks Cherry Blossom Latte
Starbucks is known for its delicious coffee drinks, and its Cherry Blossom Latte is no exception. This latte is made with a blend of cherry blossom and white chocolate flavors.
To prepare a similar drink at home, follow our basic Sakura latte recipe and add white chocolate syrup or sauce. As always, adjust the flavor to your preference.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when drinking a Sakura latte:
- Nutrition: The tea and milk in the latte contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and skin.
- Caffeine: Like other tea-based beverages, Sakura lattes contain caffeine, which can help increase alertness and focus. However, it’s important to consume caffeine in moderation, as too much can lead to jitters and other negative side effects.
- Skin and Beauty: The tea in the latte contains antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
This is just a high-level overview of the drink’s potential health benefits. Please keep in mind that adding too much sugar (or sweeteners) to the drink can nullify the benefits. Moderation is key.
Buying Recommendations
If you want to buy the ingredients to prepare sakura milk tea at home, you have a few options.
- Asian Grocery Stores: These grocery stores often carry a variety of teas, including Japanese teas. They may also carry sakura-flavored products.
- Specialty Tea Shops: These shops often have a wide selection of teas worldwide, including rare and hard-to-find varieties. These are great places to find black tea and sakura blends.
- Online Tea Shops: Many online tea shops specialize in Japanese teas. These shops often have a wider selection than in a local grocery store. Some popular online tea shops include Adagio Teas, Teavana, and Harney & Sons.
- Online Retailers: One of the easiest ways to buy ingredients for milk tea is through online retailers. Many websites, including Amazon, eBay, and specialty tea shops, sell these. When buying online, check the seller’s reviews and ratings to ensure you get a quality product.
If you are thinking about buying ingredients online, please take into consideration the following recommendations:
Floral Elixir Co. – All Natural FLOWER Syrup
Sakura Japanese Loose Leaf Black Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a cafe that serves Sakura Latte?
You can find cafes that serve this latte in Japan, especially during the spring season. Some cafes in other parts of the world may also serve this drink during the cherry blossom season or as a limited edition item.
What are the benefits of drinking a Sakura Latte?
Sakura lattes are flavorful drinks that can provide a relaxing and calming experience. Due to the natural compounds found in cherry blossoms, it may also have some health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety.
Can you make a Sakura Latte with Sakura powder?
Yes, you can make a Sakura Latte with Sakura powder. Simply mix the Sakura powder with the milk and sweetener of your choice to make a creamy and floral latte.
What is the recipe for Starbucks’ Sakura Latte?
Starbucks’ Sakura Latte recipe is not publicly available, as it is a limited edition drink that is only available in Japan during the cherry blossom season.
What does Sakura Latte taste like?
This latte has a delicate and floral taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a creamy, comforting drink perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
How do you make Sakura Coffee?
To make Sakura Coffee, brew a cup of coffee and add Sakura syrup or Sakura powder to taste—mix in the milk and sweetener of your choice for a creamy and floral coffee experience.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new!
Are you a fan of lattes?