Learn how to make a matcha latte recipe at home! You can have a warm, comforting, café-worthy drink with just four ingredients and five minutes. And if you’re into cold drinks, an iced matcha latte is included!
Why you’ll love homemade matcha latte
I love a good matcha latte. There’s just something about the warm, sweet, earthy flavors that always hit the spot. It’s one of my favorite ways to start the day!
However, I’m not usually a fan of storebought mixes or cafe versions, finding them much too sweet.
Luckily, it’s super easy to make a matcha latte recipe at home!
- Easy – Contrary to popular belief, matcha is not difficult to prepare. In fact, you can have a warm latte ready to drink in five minutes!
- Versatile – I love that you can mix and match different ingredients to adjust the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
- Energizing – Matcha is a natural stimulant that helps boost energy levels and alertness without causing jitters or a caffeine crash later in the day.
Paired with almond milk and honey, my homemade matcha latte recipe is foamy, subtly sweet, and the best you’ll ever taste. Pair it with a cherry chocolate muffin or a lemon poppy seed muffin for the perfect morning.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder made of dried tea leaves ground into a fine powder.
Learn more about matcha, the different types, benefits, and how to brew plain matcha tea in my matcha 101 post!
Key Ingredient Notes
- Sweetener – I love adding raw honey to sweeten my matcha latte. Maple syrup is another great option.
- Matcha powder – Choose a high quality matcha powder for a smoother taste. Avoid culinary-grade matcha.
- Hot water— Use hot water, but not boiling water, as this will burn the delicate matcha powder and make it bitter.
- Milk – You can use any milk here. Whole, 2%, almond, oat, or coconut milk all work wonderfully! I prefer almond milk.
How to make a matcha latte recipe
Because my husband and I enjoy a matcha latte every morning, I try to keep the process as simple as possible.
- Scoop 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl.
- Add just a tablespoon of hot (not boiling!) water.
- Whisk to combine using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a flexible silicone spoon.
Avoid lumps
The less water you use, the easier it is to mix it into a smooth paste to avoid any lumps. Remember that matcha powder doesn’t dissolve in water, so you want to create a smooth paste first before adding more liquid.
I don’t use a sieve because you know who needs extra dirty dishes! However, you can if you want.
- Froth hot almond milk and honey or your sweetener of choice. This handheld frother is amazing!
- Add the milk to the prepared matcha paste.
How to make iced matcha latte
Iced matcha latte is pretty similar to the hot version.
- Make the matcha paste. Once it’s nice and smooth, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to thin it out more.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in milk, honey, and the matcha paste.
- Stir and enjoy!
Iced Matcha Latte
For my iced matcha latte, I like to thin out the matcha paste with an extra 1–2 tablespoons of water before mixing it with the milk. This way it’s easier to pour into the milk.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality matcha. Ceremonial-grade matcha has a smoother, sweeter taste. This is my favorite matcha brand!
- Let the water cool before using. The water should be no higher than 175°F, which is warm but not boiling. If it is too hot, it will burn the matcha, and your latte will be bitter.
- Adjust the ratios. If you’re new to matcha, experiment with the ingredients and ratios to find a combination you like best. If you prefer a milder taste, add more water or milk. Or, dial it back if you like a strong latte. Then, adjust the sweetener as needed.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your latte while it’s warm! It’s not as tasty once it cools, and some of the powder will likely settle at the bottom of your cup.
Matcha Latte Variations
I like to keep my lattes simple, but you can experiment with different mix-ins and flavor combinations! Popular options include:
- Espresso
- Vanilla extract
- Mint
- Lavender syrup
- Strawberry syrup
- Ice – Pour your latte over ice for a cold drink!
FAQs:
I recommend mixing matcha powder with a small amount of water first to make a paste. Then, add the rest of the liquid (either water or milk). This way your matcha latte will be nice and smooth with no clumps. If you start with milk, it’s likely to become lumpy!
Of course, consult your doctor with any specific concerns. However, in general, matcha lattes are perfectly safe to consume daily!
Matcha lattes are generally considered to be healthier than coffee because they have less caffeine and higher levels of antioxidants. Additionally, matcha contains powerful plant compounds called catechins, which have been linked to a range of health benefits such as improved metabolism, heart health, and anti-aging effects.
More Homemade Drink Recipes
Homemade Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water Note 1
- 1 cup almond milk Note 2
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop matcha powder into a bowl.
- Add just a little bit of hot water, about 1 tablespoon or so. If you add too much water, it’ll be hard to get rid of all the lumps. If you have, use a bamboo whisk (chasen), but I usually use a small flexible silicone baby spoon, which works perfectly.
- For hot latte, warm the almond milk.
- Using a milk frother, froth the hot almond milk with honey.
- Then add the milk into the prepared matcha paste. And enjoy!
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Video
Tips & Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on March 2nd, 2021.
