This easy matcha latte recipe only has 3 ingredients! Learn how to make matcha the traditional way, and then pair it with steamed milk and sweetener for a comforting warm drink.
From matcha smoothies to matcha ice cream, I have so many matcha recipes that it's safe to say: I'm obsessed. And my favorite way to start my mornings is with a creamy and energizing matcha latte. I make this rich, earthy latte with plant-based milk (my favorite is coconut!) and since it's made at home, I can sweeten it exactly to my liking.
What I Love About This Matcha Latte
- Perfectly balanced. Matcha has a slight bitterness, balanced by rich and creamy steamed milk. You can make this recipe either dairy- or plant-based and it's delicious either way.
- Easy to make. It takes no more than 5 minutes out of my morning to make this matcha latte. It's a mug of (almost) instant comfort.
- Energizing. This cozy drink lets you enjoy a warm, sippable caffeinated cupful without the amped-up feeling that sometimes comes with coffee, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.
What is Matcha?
Matcha powder is made from whole-ground green tea leaves. Unlike steeped green tea drinks (like a classic green tea latte), you ingest the entire leaf, which is packed with antioxidants. Matcha dates back to ancient China, and drinking matcha is popular in Japan, where the ritual of making and enjoying a good cup of matcha is known as “the way of tea.” Fun fact: Samurai warriors drank a lot of matcha tea!
Matcha tea has a complex, earthy taste with mellow grassy notes, a touch of bitterness, and a hint of sweetness. I love adding it to recipes like oatmeal, vegan protein balls, and more.
What You’ll Need
In addition to hot water, this matcha recipe needs only 3 ingredients. I've included my notes below. Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for the printable ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Ceremonial-grade matcha powder – Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality grade of matcha powder, made with young tea leaves. It has a delicate flavor that’s best enjoyed in a drink where it can be savored. This is compared to culinary matcha, which is made with older tea leaves and formulated for cooking and baking. Make sure to buy ceremonial grade.
- Steamed milk – Use your choice of dairy or plant-based milk, such as coconut, almond, or oat milk.
- Sweetener of choice – Honey is quite nice with a matcha latte, but you can use any sweetener you'd like. Or, prepare your latte unsweetened if you prefer.
How to Make a Matcha Latte
Here’s how to make a coffeehouse-style matcha latte right in your kitchen. If you find yourself making matcha often, it's worthwhile to invest in tools like a tea strainer to sift the matcha before you prepare it, and a bamboo whisk (also called a chasen) to froth the drink. I also have a specialty matcha bowl that I use. Follow the steps to make a matcha latte here, and scroll to the recipe card for the printable directions.
- Combine the matcha and water. In a large mug or small ceramic bowl, combine the matcha powder and a splash of hot water. Use a small whisk to beat the powder and water until there are no lumps and the mixture is frothy. This should take about 30 seconds; the traditional method used to whisk matcha is to move the whisk in a W pattern.
- Add the rest of the water. Pour the remaining water into the matcha mixture.
- Finish. At this point, you can add your sweetener of choice. Add the steamed milk and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Remove any clumps. If your matcha powder seems coarse or lumpy, sift it or use a fork to break up any clumps before you add the water.
- Don’t overdo it on the water. When whisking the matcha and water together, it’s important to use just enough water to make a paste, and no more. This is key to a smooth consistency.
- Use a handheld milk frother. If you don’t have a small whisk or bamboo whisk, you can use a handheld battery-operated milk frother to make your matcha. It’s not traditional at all, but it does work!
- Sweeten to taste. I recommend sweetening your matcha latte with agave or honey. How much you use will depend upon your tastebuds. Start with a little, stir and taste, then add more if needed.
- Pumpkin spice. For a cozy fall version, make a pumpkin spice matcha latte.
- Whipped. Try this fluffy whipped matcha latte. It's my spin on the viral Dalgona coffee!
- More flavors. I love the flavor in this rose matcha latte made with beautifying add-ins like rose nectar and pearl powder.
How to Store
- Refrigerate. If you have any leftover latte, it's fine to keep covered in the fridge for a day or two. I like to enjoy mine as an iced matcha latte later on!
- Reheat. Warm the latte using the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop.
- Store the matcha powder. Keep matcha powder in an airtight container at room temperature.
More Cozy Drink Recipes
Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup steamed milk
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Add the matcha powder and a splash of hot water into a mug or ceramic bowl. Using a small whisk – preferably a bamboo matcha whisk – beat together the powder and water until smooth and frothy.
- Pour in the rest of the hot water.
- Stir in any desired sweetener and top with steamed milk.
Nutrition
