Iced Black Sesame & Charcoal Matcha Latte
1
American
Beverage
The New Year is here, and to kick things off, we wanted to share a healthy, unique recipe that feels good to make and even better to drink. It’s comforting, satisfying, and made with ingredients known to support hair, skin, and digestive health, so it’s as nourishing as it is enjoyable. Earthy, lightly sweet ceremonial-grade matcha green tea brings everything together, adding a rich flavor, a smooth finish, and a generous dose of antioxidants. Simple to prepare and easy to love, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Let’s begin.
Ingredients
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1½ tbsp black sesame paste (store-bought or homemade; see instructions below for homemade paste)
1–2 tsp sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar syrup)
2 tbsp hot water (to loosen the paste)
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1–1½ tsp ceremonial grade matcha
2 tbsp hot water (about 75–80°C / 165–175°F)
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1 cup milk of choice (oat and soy work especially well; whole milk is richest)
¼ tsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
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1 to 1½ cups ice cubes
Directions
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Add black sesame paste and sweetener to a small bowl or directly into your mug.
Pour in 2 tbsp hot water.
Whisk until smooth, glossy, and pourable, no lumps.
Set aside in the mug. This is the bottom layer.
Tip: If the paste feels thick or gritty, add hot water a teaspoon at a time until it loosens.
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Toast ½ cup black sesame seeds over low heat until fragrant.
Cool slightly, then blend with 1–2 tbsp neutral oil until smooth.
Add sweetener only when using it for drinks.
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Add 2 tbsp hot (not boiling) water.
Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until fully dissolved and the mixture is lightly frothy.
Set aside.
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Add the milk, charcoal powder, vanilla, and salt to a blender or jar.
Blend or shake until evenly grey with no visible charcoal specks.
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Fill the glass with ice over the black sesame layer.
Slowly pour in the charcoal milk.
Pour the matcha tea over the top (use the back of a spoon if you want layers).
For a marbled look, give one slow swirl with a straw or spoon.
Tip: Charcoal can dilute sweetness slightly, so taste and adjust before assembling.
Top with a light dusting of matcha powder or black sesame powder for presentation.
