Matcha latte is a creamy, smooth Japanese green tea drink and one of the most popular ways to enjoy matcha! But making a cafe-quality matcha latte can be a little tricky. Here's how to make a matcha latte at home using a traditional Japanese whisking method for a perfectly velvety, rich matcha latte every time without tasting bitter.
If you're a matcha lover, you might also like fun matcha drinks like Coconut Matcha Cloud, Matcha Boba Milk Tea, and Lychee Matcha Soda!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Matcha Latte
- What Is a Matcha Latte
- Ingredients
- Best Matcha Powder for Matcha Latte
- How to Prepare Matcha (Traditional Japanese Method)
- How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte (Step-by-Step)
- How to Make a Hot Matcha Latte
- Tips for the Best Matcha Latte
- Matcha Latte Variations
- Storage and Make Ahead
- FAQ
- Matcha Latte (Easy Homemade Recipe)
Why You'll Love This Matcha Latte
- Made with the traditional Japanese whisking method for smooth, clump-free matcha.
- Rich, creamy, refreshing flavor that's not too sweet.
- A clean energy boost without a caffeine crash.
- Simple ingredients and easy to make at home.
- Highly customizable with your favorite milk and sweetener.
- A great base for fun matcha lattes!
What Is a Matcha Latte
Matcha latte is a Japanese green tea drink made with matcha green tea powder and milk. Matcha is whisked using the traditional Japanese method to create smooth tea with a lightly frothy top. Then it's poured into milk and a touch of sweetener to create a creamy latte.
Unlike traditional matcha, which is enjoyed sipping on its own (called Usucha), a matcha latte is a modern version that's creamier and more approachable. It easily fits into modern daily life like coffee.
If you want to learn the basics about matcha, check out my matcha guide, where I cover how to choose, prepare, and use matcha at home.
Ingredients
For the Matcha
- Matcha: Use ceremonial-grade matcha for a vibrant green, rich-flavor drink. But you don't need the highest-quality matcha. I recommend affordable ceremonial-grade matcha for this recipe.
- Hot Water: Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best flavor.
Why Your Matcha Tastes Bitter?
If your matcha tastes bitter, it may be because 1) low-quality matcha, or 2) the water is too hot.
Boiling water can make matcha taste bitter. If your kettle has temperature control, that's perfect. If not, try this traditional method: bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup. This cools down the water slightly. Then pour it into matcha.
For the Latte
- Oat Milk: You can also use your favorite milk of your choice. Soy, almond, macadamia, or whole milk also work.
- Maple Syrup: I don't usually add sweetener to my daily matcha latte. But a little sweetness is nice when I need extra coziness. I like maple syrup, but granulated sugar and simple syrup also work.
- Ice Cubes: For iced lattes.
Best Matcha Powder for Matcha Latte
I recommend using an affordable ceremonial-grade matcha for this matcha latte.
High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha usually has a umami-forward and delicate flavor profile. That's the beauty of precious, high-quality matcha, but those subtle flavors can easily be overpowered by rich milk.
I don't recommend culinary-grade matcha or anything below. It usually tastes too grassy, and the color tends to be so dull.
Affordable ceremonial-grade matcha creates a smooth, vibrant green matcha, while the strong flavor holds up well in matcha latte recipes.
The price of matcha is rising due to worldwide high demand, which hits us so hard as matcha lovers! So save your precious, highest quality matcha for sipping and use everyday ceremonial-grade matcha for lattes.
If you're new to matcha, I have the matcha guide for you! I explain more about the different grades of matcha, how it's made, and how to choose the best matcha powder for drinks and desserts.
How to Prepare Matcha (Traditional Japanese Method)
Soak your bamboo whisk in hot water before using. This will soften the bristles and prevent breakage. You don't need to soak fully, just about halfway up the bristles.
- In a small bowl, sift matcha powder. I like 3g (about 1.5 teaspoons) of my matcha for my latte. If you like bold flavor, use 4g (about 2 teaspoons).
- Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best flavor. Use a kettle with temperature control, or slightly let the boiling water cool. Traditional Method: Bring water to a boil, then pour it into a clean cup. This cools down the water slightly. Then pour it into matcha.
- Add hot water and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk until smooth and foamy on the surface. Use "M" or "W" motion. If you're using a sweetener, add
- Once froth forms, brush the surface with the tip of the bamboo whisk, keep using "M" or "W" motion. This step breaks large bubbles and makes the froth extra creamy.
You can also prepare matcha without a bamboo whisk! For the method, check out my matcha guide's How to Make Matcha Without Tools section.
How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte (Step-by-Step)
- For an iced matcha latte, fill the glass with ice cubes and add the milk.
- Pour the whisked matcha over it. Stir in the sweetener if using. Mix well and enjoy!
How to Make a Hot Matcha Latte
You can make a hot matcha latte by warming up the milk before adding it to a mug instead of ice and cold milk.
If you want an extra creamy, airy latte with latte art like the ones at coffee shops, use steamed milk. Add the matcha into a cup first, then pour the steamed milk over it to create a latte art.
Tips for the Best Matcha Latte
Use an affordable ceremonial-grade matcha for making a matcha latte.
Sift the matcha powder: Matcha is a fine-ground powder that clumps easily. Sifting the powder before whisking helps create a smooth, lump-free matcha.
Do not use boiling water: It can make matcha taste bitter. Instead, use water around 158-175°F (70-80°C) for the best flavor.
Matcha Latte Variations
This is a basic matcha latte recipe you can enjoy year-round. Make it iced for a refresher and hot for cozy vibes.
This recipe is so versatile. Add your favorite sweetener and flavoring to make it yours. Here are some fun ideas:
- Vanilla Matcha Latte
- Strawberry Matcha Latte
- Blueberry Matcha Latte
- Banana Matcha Latte
- Salted Maple Matcha Latte: Add a pinch of salt and maple syrup.
- Honey Matcha Latte: Add honey to warm prepared matcha or warm milk (for a hot matcha latte) to dissolve.
Storage and Make Ahead
Matcha latte tastes the best when prepared fresh!
I highly recommend whisking the matcha fresh just before you assemble the matcha latte. Freshly prepared matcha has the best flavor and smooth texture. And matcha powder tends to sink as it sits.
FAQ
I don't recommend culinary-grade matcha for a latte, as it often tastes too bitter or flat, and dull in color. Instead, I recommend using affordable ceremonial-grade matcha. Affordable ceremonial-grade matcha makes a crisp, green drink, and strong matcha flavor holds up well in lattes.
It may be because 1) you're using low-quality matcha, or 2) the water is too hot. Use 158-176°F (70-80°C) water for the best umami and rich aroma.
Matcha Latte (Easy Homemade Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoon ceremonia-grade matcha about 3g
- ¼ cup 158-176°F (70-80°C) hot water boil water, then pour it into a clean cup to cool down slightly.
- ½ cup oat milk You can also use your favorite milk of your choice.
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (Optional) Adjust to your taste. Granulated sugar and simple syrup also work.
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Soak your bamboo whisk in hot water, about halfway up the bristles, before using.
- In a small bowl, sift matcha powder. Add hot water, then whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk until smooth and foamy on the surface. Use "M" or "W" motion. Once froth forms, brush the surface with the tip of the bamboo whisk, keep using "M" or "W" motion, to break large bubbles.
- For an iced matcha latte, fill the glass with ice cubes and add the milk. Pour the whisked matcha over it. Stir in the sweetener if using. Mix well and enjoy!
- For a hot matcha latte, steam or warm the milk before adding to a mug.
Notes
Nutrition
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