A couple weeks ago, I walked into a coffee shop during the evening hours on my way home from shopping. There was no one else in line, so I didn’t feel particularly rushed and I took a moment to ask the girl behind the counter what would be a good alternative to my regular cup of organic dark roast coffee.

She called out an exhaustive list of specialties and flavored drinks, but nothing really caught my attention. Then, she mentioned the macha latte, which I was sort of familiar with from my favorite summertime drink, the macha chillo. After serving up a cup, I gave it a sip and was immediately impressed by its sweet, creamy taste with just a slight hint of bitterness.

Macha is green tea powder, and for the latte, it is mixed with hot water and whisked in a bowl until it is completely dissolved. Then, the mixture is slowly added to hot milk and often sweetened with honey, sugar or vanilla syrup.

One thing that I have noticed from ordering this drink, now from several different coffee shops, is the inconsistency in which it’s prepared (at least around here). Some places will serve it unsweetened and bitter, whilst others will sweeten it without asking – sometimes over doing it! Also, like all good lattes, the macha latte should be served frothy with the powder completely mixed in; but already, I’ve had a few of them that were rushed. These ill prepared concoctions looked and tasted like green milk, so I guess it is best to stick to places that have proven to make it right. Unfortunately, getting the drink served right often comes down to the individual server that is preparing it, which makes the whole affair a bit hit-and-miss, I’m afraid…

What’s your favorite coffee alternative?