Iced Cranberry Matcha Latte (New England Holiday Vibes 🎄✨)

Here’s a festive recipe that brings a bit of my New England roots into your cup! Growing up, my family would get a crate of cranberries every fall. We’d make homemade cranberry sauce, and yes—snack on those tart little berries like nature’s own sour candy. Our cheeks would pucker but we kept doing it. Some of my friends still hike around the bogs today. Cranberries aren’t just a holiday staple for me; they’re part of my childhood, my memories, and now—your matcha latte! 🍵

Makes 1x16oz or 2x8oz drinks

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 
• 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar (for a light, natural sweetness)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 1/2 an orange)
• 1 tsp Matcha Nude 
• 1/4 cup water (for the matcha shot)
• 1 1/2 cups milk of choice (oat milk = creamy, almond = smooth!)
• Ice cubes

HOW TO:

1. Cranberry syrup time: In a medium saucepan, toss in your cranberries, blonde coconut sugar, water, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, until those cranberries soften but stay whole (no bursting berries here). Once cool, strain through a fine-mesh sieve. You’re left with a sweet-tart syrup perfect for lattes—and you can keep the leftovers for up to 3 weeks!
2. Whisk that matcha: In a small bowl, whisk together your matcha and 1/4 cup water until smooth and frothy. A bamboo or electric whisk is your secret weapon here! Need tips? Look here.
3. Assemble the latte: Grab your favorite glass (or two small ones if you’re sharing). Add 3 tablespoons of your cranberry syrup, followed by ice. Pour in the milk, then top it off with the frothy matcha shot.
4. Mix and enjoy: Gently stir everything together. Sip, relax, and bask in those holiday vibes!

Pro tip: This cranberry syrup doesn’t just taste amazing, but cranberries themselves are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants—so you’re treating yourself to some serious health benefits with every sip.

Want to take your Iced Cranberry Matcha Latte to the next level? Add some sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive (and Instagram-worthy) garnish! Not only do they look gorgeous, but they add a little extra sparkle to your drink. Here’s how to do it:

Sugared Cranberries & Rosemary Garnish

INGREDIENTS:

• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup golden coconut sugar (plus extra for rolling)

HOW TO:

1. Make the syrup: Heat water and coconut sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool for a minute.
2. Coat the cranberries and rosemary: Toss fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs in the syrup, making sure they’re fully coated. Then, using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them dry for about an hour—this helps them get sticky enough for the next step!
3. Sugar time: Roll the cranberries and rosemary in some extra blonde coconut sugar until they’re sparkling like holiday decorations.
4. Garnish your drink: Pop a few sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary on top of your latte for that perfect festive touch!

Ready to sip your way into the holidays? Snap a pic of your creation, tag @MatchaNude, and let’s celebrate together! 💚