How to Make Matcha Latte: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Perfect Cup

a vibrant green matcha latte with leaf latte art in a white cup and saucer.

Learn to make a perfect matcha latte at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Get tips for whisking, frothing milk, and adjusting sweetness for a smooth latte.

Try a quick, customizable iced matcha latte recipe.

Find answers to common matcha questions.

Enjoy a cozy, antioxidant-rich alternative to coffee.

Matcha lattes have taken the world by storm and it's no wonder why - the taste is utterly amazing and provides a refreshing break from all that coffee. Whether you're a tea aficionado or just looking for a change of pace, this cozy guide is here to show you how to make a matcha latte in the comfort of your own home with just a few simple ingredients.

A Simple Guide on How to Make Matcha Latte

Making a matcha latte at home is super easy and simpler than you think, and the best part is that you can get as creative as you like. With just a few ingredients and some basic tools, you can whip up a creamy beverage that tastes good and feels amazing. So, what do you need to get started?

Ingredients and Tools

  • Matcha powder: Get your hands on some high-quality ceremonial grade matcha from Japan - it'll make a world of difference to the flavor. Matcha powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves, so you're getting all the nutrients from the whole leaves in every cup, which increases its nutritional value compared to regular steeped green tea. You can use a spoon to scoop out the matcha powder or pour it into your bowl or mug.

  • Milk: Almond milk is pretty popular, but you can use any milk or milk alternative you prefer - it's all up to you.

  • Sweetener: Try using maple syrup, monkfruit sweetener, or stevia to add a bit of sweetness.

  • Hot water: You want it to be around 175-180°F (not boiling) - anything hotter can make the matcha taste bitter.

  • Bamboo whisk or frother: These are essential for whisking matcha and frothing milk.

  • Bowl or mug: You'll need one for mixing and serving.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Measure and sift the matcha powder

Hands sift vibrant green matcha powder through a metal strainer into a white bowl

Start with a teaspoon of matcha. Sift it into your bowl or mug - this is key to getting a smooth latte and avoiding clumps.

2. Add hot water

Water is poured from a glass pitcher into a ceramic bowl of vibrant green matcha powder

Pour 2 ounces of hot water (around 175-180°F) over the matcha powder. Don't go for boiling water - it can burn the leaves and make the matcha taste wrong or bitter.

3. Whisk the matcha

Hands whisk vibrant green matcha tea in a gray ceramic bowl using a bamboo whisk

Grab your bamboo whisk or a milk frother and whisk the matcha and water together in a zigzag or "W" motion until it's all frothy and smooth. This should take about 15-30 seconds. The way you whisk it is really important - it's what gives the matcha latte that creamy, foamy texture.

4. Froth the milk

A close-up of frothy milk being whisked in a glass with a handheld frother on a light wooden surface.

Make your milk warm, heating it to about 150°F (65°C), then use a frother to create some creamy froth. If you don't have a frother, you can just heat the milk up gently on the stove and whisk it vigorously to get some air in it.

5. Combine and sweeten

frothy milk being poured from a pitcher into a white mug of vibrant green matcha

Pour the frothed milk over the matcha in the mug, then stir it gently. Now add a bit of your preferred sweetener - just a drop of maple syrup, a sprinkle of stevia, or monkfruit sweetener will do. Sweetener can also be added to the matcha base after whisking and stirred in until dissolved. Don't overdo it - the natural taste of the matcha is best enjoyed with a bit of sweetness.

6. Taste and adjust

A person holding a clear cup of creamy light green matcha latte, gently sipping.

Take a sip and see if you like it. If it needs a bit more sweetness or a bit less milk, now's the time to adjust it. Remember, the best matcha latte is one that you love!

Tips for the Perfect Matcha Latte

  • Get some fresh, high-quality matcha - it makes a huge difference to the taste. (Ceremonial grade matcha is a lighter flavor that pairs especially well with alternative milks like oat or almond.)

  • Be careful with the water temperature - if it's too hot, the matcha can taste bitter.

  • Whisk it up properly to get rid of any clumps and create a smooth, creamy froth.

  • Try experimenting with different flavor add-ins like a splash of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon for a really amazing twist.

  • Don't over-sweeten - the matcha's got a naturally earthy taste that's sweet enough already.

Additional Notes:

  • If your matcha tastes too bitter, try using slightly cooler water or adding a bit more milk to balance it out.

  • For an extra creamy latte, try substituting regular milk with barista-style oat milk.

  • Adjust the amount of matcha powder to suit your taste - it's up to you how strong you like it.

Serving and Enjoying

Honestly, a matcha latte is all about creating that perfect moment of comfort and indulgence that just feels right. You'll want to pick out your favorite glass or mug - presentation makes all the difference here; it's that extra little thing that makes sipping your matcha latte all the more worth it, trust us.

Take a moment to really stop and enjoy those flavors - whether it's a morning ritual or an afternoon pick-me-up, the whole experience is meant to be savored, not rushed. By using a simple matcha latte recipe and nice, high-quality ingredients and equipment, you'll be able to make a perfect matcha latte that tastes amazing and feels like a real treat. And to be honest, you deserve that little bit of indulgence.

If you typically enjoy your matcha latte with a sweet treat, pairing it with your favorite cookies can make the experience even more delightful.

Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

A tall clear glass of pale green iced matcha latte with visible ice cubes and a steel straw, made with a matcha latte recipe.

If an iced matcha latte is what you're craving, making one is just about as easy as it gets.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder

  • 6 ounces milk of your choice

  • Ice cubes

  • Simple syrup or your preferred sweetener

Directions

  • Dissolve the matcha powder in a small amount of hot water, whisking until smooth and frothy.

  • Fill a glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour in 6 ounces of cold milk.

  • Add sweetener to taste, such as simple syrup, maple syrup, or monkfruit sweetener.

  • Pour the whisked matcha mixture over the milk and ice.

  • Stir well to combine.

Tip: For a silky texture, blend all ingredients quickly in a blender before serving.

Note: A common ratio for a matcha latte is 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to 6 ounces of milk, but feel free to adjust according to your liking.

FAQs

Can I mix matcha with dairy?

Some people find that dairy can clash with the delicate flavor of matcha, but if you enjoy dairy, feel free to use it however you like—it's all about personal preference.

Should matcha be refrigerated?

Yeah, matcha does best when kept in an airtight container in the fridge - that way it stays fresh and so does its bright green color.

Is matcha better hot or cold?

It all comes down to your preference - both are delicious and you can enjoy either one at any time of year.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make a perfect matcha latte at home - time to enjoy that creamy goodness you've created! 

Whether you like hot or iced, with a bit of sugar or none at all, making your own matcha latte is the perfect way to start your day. 

Go ahead - try new flavors, share your favorites with your friends, and make sure to savor every last sip of that matcha latte magic.

Looking to get your hands on the best matcha powder for that perfect cup? Check out Taste of Tea for our selection of high-quality matcha - that way you know your latte is going to taste amazing every single time!

Behind the Cup

Man drinking cup of tea

Patrick R.

Patrick is a tea enthusiast who enjoys writing about tea and exploring its rich history, culture, and flavors. He contributes to Taste of Tea by sharing his thoughts, discoveries, and personal insights into the world of tea.

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