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    Home » Recipes » Matcha

    Matcha Latte

    Published: Jan 21, 2023 by Michelle · 1 Comment

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Want to make a matcha latte at home? This simple and calming drink recipe features matcha green tea powder and steamed foamed milk that you can enjoy everyday.

    Matcha latte in a white bowl, on a white round marble with matcha tools surrounding it.

    What is matcha?

    Matcha is ground green tea leaves, turned into a fine powder.

    Green tea originated from China, and has been enjoyed in East Asia for centuries.

    The Japanese tea ceremony ritual centers around the preparation, serving, and consumption of the powdered green tea, which has become popular in recent years.

    Read my Beginner's Guide to Matcha for more information on this green tea.

    What is a matcha latte?

    A matcha latte is a tea latte made from green tea matcha powder and frothed milk.

    A latte traditionally consists of espresso coffee and heated milk, but in this case, tea replaces the coffee to give it its vividly bright green hue.

    Nowadays, many coffee shops and cafes, including Starbucks offers a matcha latte/green tea latte on their menus.

    What does matcha taste like?

    It should have a mellow, slightly sweet and earthy taste, with hints of umami.

    Choosing a high quality matcha powder will mean the difference between a sweet, slightly grassy, vegetal tea and a bitter, highly astringent tea.

    Matcha latte in a white bowl, on a white round marble with matcha tools surrounding it.

    Matcha grades

    There are two typical grades of matcha:

    ceremonial grade matcha: a high-quality matcha tea with vivid, bright green hue, usually more expensive, used for tea ceremonies, and tastes sweeter and less astringent

    culinary grade matcha: a "lower-grade" matcha that is used in everyday lattes or baking; may have a less bright green color and taste less sweet

    Optimal brewing temperature

    The most optimal brewing temperature for matcha is around 80 degrees F/176 degrees C.

    Water that is too hot can scorch the matcha tea, which may add additional unpleasant bitter flavour.

    Health benefits

    Matcha contains antioxidants and catechins that are believed to decrease cancer risk.

    Choosing a non-dairy milk to pair with matcha can be beneficial as dairy milk contains casein, a protein which binds to the catechins in green tea.

    Matcha green tea powder does contain caffeine, compared to hojicha.

    However, it also contains an amino acid, l-theanine which helps slow down the absorption of caffeine.

    Matcha latte in a white bowl.

    Ingredients you'll need for a homemade matcha latte

    • matcha green tea powder: sifted; choose the highest quality matcha tea powder for the best taste and flavor
    • hot water: around 80 degrees F/176 degrees C
    • frothed milk: it's best to use a non-dairy/dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or oat milk, however you can use regular whole milk if you like
    • sweetener: optional, you can use honey, simple syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup

    Ways to froth milk

    There are a few ways to froth or foam up milk.

    The easiest and quickest way is to use a milk frother or electric whisk.

    If you're making more than a few drinks, you can also use a blender to whip air into the milk.

    Use a French press and give it a few pumps.

    Or use a mason jar with a tightly-sealed lid and shake the milk well.

    Traditional tea tools

    Matcha tea is traditionally made with a few tools:

    Chashaku: bamboo tea scoop, used for scooping the tea powder

    Chasen: bamboo whisk, used for whisking the matcha powder with water

    Chawan: literally "tea bowl," a small bowl for preparing and consuming the tea

    You can make a matcha latte with or without these tools (for more information, see my photo below or my blog post on Matcha 101).

    Two ways to make a matcha latte

    Traditional method:

    Use a chashaku (bamboo tea scoop) to add the matcha powder to sieve placed over a chawan (tea bowl).

    Sift the matcha into the chawan to remove any clumps.

    Pour a little hot water (about 80 degrees C/176 degrees F, not boiling hot) into the bowl and gently press the chasen (bamboo whisk) against the bottom of the bowl.

    Move the chasen in a zig zag motion until the liquid becomes foamy.

    Top the matcha off with steamed, frothed milk of your choice and sweeten to your taste.

    Modern method:

    Sift the matcha powder into a large mug to remove any clumps.

    Pour a little hot water (about 80 degrees C/176 degrees F, not boiling hot) into the mug.

    Use an electric whisk/frother to foam up the matcha tea.

    Top the matcha off with steamed, frothed milk of your choice and sweeten to your taste.

    Step by step visual instructions on how to make a matcha green tea, with number overlay.

     

    Variations

    Add ice to make it an Iced Matcha Latte.

    Play around and add different syrups such as rose or pandan to add a different flavor to the drink.

    What to pair with a matcha latte

    Enjoy the matcha tea latte on its own, or pair it with sweets.

    Try it with red bean mochi, mango cream mochi, cookies, mooncakes, or chocolate.

    FAQs

    Why are there clumps of matcha on the bottom of my drink?

    As matcha is made from ground whole tea leaves, it doesn't fully "dissolve."

    The matcha particles are suspended in the liquid and consumed together.

    It's best to give the drink a stir before drinking.

    Why is my matcha latte grainy?

    This can depend on the quality of the tea powder.

    A stone-ground powdered tea will yield a finer powder, which is less grainy/gritty.

    Is matcha latte sweet?

    Matcha lattes can be unsweetened or sweetened, to your taste.

    Which milk is best for matcha latte?

    Any non-dairy or dairy-free milk is most optimal for a matcha latte.

    Try oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or a coconut milk.

    How many matcha lattes can I have in a day?

    Like anything else, it's best to consume matcha in moderation. 1-2 cups per day would be a safe consideration.

    Other tea latte recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes:

    Hojicha Latte

    Iced Matcha Chai Latte

    Pumpkin Spice Hojicha Latte

    Matcha Rose Latte

    Iced Hojicha Latte

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Matcha latte in a white bowl, on a white round marble with matcha tools surrounding it.

     

    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Matcha Latte

    Want to make a matcha latte at home? This simple and calming drink recipe features matcha green tea powder and steamed foamed milk that you can enjoy everyday.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 106kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • ¾-1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder sifted
    • ½ C hot water about 80°C/176°F
    • ½ C steamed milk or non-dairy alternative of your choice almond, oat, soy, coconut milk
    • 1-2 teaspoon sweetener (honey, simple syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup, etc.) optional, to your taste
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    Instructions

    Traditional method:

    • Use a chashaku (bamboo tea scoop) to add the matcha powder to sieve placed over a chawan (tea bowl).
    • Sift the matcha into a chawan (tea bowl) to remove any clumps.
    • Pour about ¼ C hot water (about 80°C/176°F, not boiling hot) into the chawan (tea bowl) and gently press the chasen (matcha whisk) against the bottom of the bowl.
    • Move the chasen in a zig zag motion until the liquid becomes foamy.
    • Add remaining hot water and steamed, frothed milk of your choice.
    • Sweeten with honey, simple syrup, maple syrup, or sweetener of your choice, to your taste.

    Modern method:

    • Sift the matcha powder into a large mug to remove any clumps. 
    • Pour hot water (about 80°C/176°F, not boiling hot) into the mug.
    • Use an electric whisk/frother to foam up the matcha tea.
    • Top the matcha off with steamed, frothed milk of your choice and sweeten to your taste.

    Notes

    Notes: Depending on whether you're just starting out with matcha, or a daily drinker, you can adjust the amount of matcha powder to your taste.
    Add more if you prefer a stronger flavour.
    Reduce the amount if you're just beginning your matcha journey.
    Different grades of matcha powders will have varying taste and flavour. Experiment and find one that you enjoy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 209mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
    « Hojicha 101: A Beginner's Guide
    Matcha 101: A Beginner's Guide »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      January 24, 2023 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely twist on latte! I've never had a matcha latte, but it looks and sounds so inviting!

      Reply

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