Matcha Latte
21 Comments
Updated Dec 31, 2023
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This matcha latte will have you feeling soothed and refreshed! It’s a cozy, earthy blend of fresh matcha powder, a dash of honey, and creamy milk. And the best part – it’s easy to make, costs far less than ordering it at a coffee shop, and it’s loaded with antioxidants for a morning boost!
I’ve been a big fan of matcha tea for years, given its well documented health benefits. But when I want to switch up my morning ritual with something a bit creamier, I whip up this matcha latte. It’s like a form of Seijaku, a Japanese concept that finds tranquility and stillness amidst a chaotic life. Which, also sounds a lot like downshifting to me! The whisking process is somewhat meditative, and I love swirling in the warm, frothy milk before enjoying the matcha latte out on my patio for a peaceful morning. If that’s how you’d like to start your days, I’d say this recipe is for you!
To give you some context on matcha, it’s a fine powder made from whole green tea leaves that have undergone a process that increases chlorophyll levels and amino acids. This gives matcha its vibrant green color and energizing nutrients to kickstart your day on a healthy note. So if you’re one who typically starts your day with a coffee, cold brew, cappuccino, or latte, this matcha latte is a great swap with less caffeine.
Matcha Latte Ingredients
- Matcha Powder: I’m a big fan of this ceremonial matcha. Three things to look out for are the origin (which should be a product of Japan), that it’s organic, and that it’s “stone ground.”
- Water: Make sure to use hot water. This will help break up the matcha powder as you whisk it!
- Milk: You can use any dairy or non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk). Just warm it up and froth.
- Sweetener: Matcha has a grassy, earthy taste, so I like to use honey or maple syrup to add some sweetness. But you can use any sweetener you like.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
Different types of Matcha
Did you know there are several types of matcha? Yep, there are! But the most common types are ceremonial and culinary.
- Ceremonial Grade is the highest quality made from young matcha leaves – it’s sweet, mild, and rich in nutrition. This is why it’s used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and meant to be consumed in its purest form with just water.
- Culinary Grade is a bit more robust and bitter. Some might say it has a slightly astringent taste. It’s also a cheaper. This makes it the perfect option for mixed drinks or baked goods, as other ingredients will soften the flavor.
How To Make Matcha Latte Perfectly
Although there are a few ways to make a matcha latte (i.e. a frother or blender), there’s just something so soothing about the traditional Japanese way of whisking. So grab a bamboo whisk, your favorite mug, and let’s walk through the process.
- Sift the matcha. Add your matcha powder to a small sieve, and sift the matcha over a matcha bowl or straight into a cup.
- Whisk the matcha. Pour hot water into the cup, then use a bamboo whisk to whisk vigorously in a “W” pattern for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when the tea becomes frothy and there’s no chunks of matcha powder in the water.
- Add the finishing touches. Froth up your favorite milk and pour it into the cup, along with your choice of sweetener. Give it all a stir and voila!
Common Questions
It’s a good thing to note that matcha technically doesn’t dissolve in water. That’s why the sifting and whisking process is important for a smooth tea. It’ll help avoid any grainy, lumpy chunks, or even a chalky texture.
Make the warm matcha tea as stated above, then chill it in the fridge. Pour that into a glass with ice cubes, followed by the frothy milk and sweetener. Give it all a stir and your iced matcha is ready. Just be mindful to use a liquid sweetener as a grainy sugar won’t dissolve in cold liquid.
Green tea is steeped in hot water, giving you about 75% of its nutrients. Whereas matcha powder allows you to consume the entire leaf with all its shining health benefits. Plus, it’s got a great kick with slow and steady caffeine. It’s no wonder why matcha has become a morning ritual for so many people (including me!).
More Soothing Drinks
A matcha latte is just one of many healthy drinks to include in your routine. Below are warming delights that I hold dear to my heart. And if you need an anti-inflammatory boost, I’ve got a whole list of anti-inflammatory drinks to enjoy.
- Golden Milk: A turmeric spiced delight!
- Turmeric Tea: A soothing tea with plenty of benefits.
- Chai Spiced Coconut Milk: The coziest drink to enjoy.
- Easy Chai Latte: This homemade version is the best.
- Elderberry Tea: Elderberries are incredibly healthy!
A warm cup of this matcha latte will get your day off to a good start. You could also enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up! If you make it, let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.
Matcha Latte
Description
Video
Equipment
- Bamboo Whisk The only matcha whisk you need!
- Matcha Bowl One of my favorite ceramic bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 cup warmed and frothed milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- Optional: vanilla extract, honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Sift. Sift the matcha (to remove any lumps) into a mug or small bowl.
- Whisk. Pour the hot water into the mug and use a matcha whisk to whisk vigorously in a "W" pattern for about 30 seconds, until frothy. Alternatively, you can use an electric frother.
- Fill up the mug. Add the warm and frothy milk along with any sweeteners of choice.
Lisa’s Tips
- I really do recommend buying a bamboo whisk to make matcha as it removes the lumps perfectly. But you can also use an electric frother.
- Alternatively, you can pour all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender or milk frother and blend.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted February 2022, but updated to include a new video, photos, and information.
Oh my goodness!! This is amazing!! I’ve been trying to make my own matcha at home for years to no avail. Your recipe is spot on! I love it!! Thank you so much!! This is definitely going to cut back on my Starbucks 😁 I used 2 tsps of vanilla and a glob of maple syrup and tripled your recipe as I love matcha and it’s fantastic! I am going to try using monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup tomorrow to see if that’s a better fit for me. Thank you so much for going thru all the trial and error to achieve perfection and passing it on to us!!
You’re more than welcome, Viviana! I’m so happy you enjoy this matcha latte recipe. It’s a personal favorite of mine as well. :)
Hi Lisa,
If I add all this to the vitamix will it blend together the same? I saw that was an alternative but wanted to make sure. I would be pouring mine over ice and would that give me the same health benefits?
Thank you
Kim
You can blend it that way if you’d like, or even in a frother!
10/10 ❤️ I used cashew milk from a carton and added about a squeeze of honey. Forgot to sift the matcha but I whisked out any lumps. This matcha latte is such a yummy, healthy substitute for coffee, which I’m taking a break from currently!
This is a great substitution for coffee! Glad you loved it :)
Delicious, added a tiny bit of honey and vanilla. I used oat milk and it turned out perfect. Another great recipe from Lisa. I pre-ordered her cookbook and can’t wait for that too! Thanks Lisa.
Thanks so much for your support Tami! Can’t wait for you to get your hands on this book.
I love Matcha tea nut only when buying at my coffee shop. Because I like it so much I decided to buy it to do it myself at home… it did not work. Matcha smells too strong for my taste and could not drink it :(
If you have any suggestions on how to work that around, very welcome!
Hi Eileen – I suggest adding in some sugar into your latte to balance out the bitterness of the matcha! Most cafes will use sugar in it as well, which is probably what you’re used to tasting, instead of straight matcha :)
Hi there! In the past I’ve had that same problem with my matcha tasting bitter and then I was informed that the hot water shouldn’t exceed 170°. I hope that helps🌹
I’ve been wanting to try matcha tea for a while. So this morning I stopped at my local coffee shop and asked for. Matcha latte. It was delicious. Guess I’ll have to get the supplies and tea to make my own. Thanks for introducing me to matcha tea.😁
Excited for you to try this recipe at home Crissa! Let me know how it turns out :)
Thank you for this delicious and heathy latte!
Hi Lisa, is the honey/swetener necessary for the matcha latte?
Hi Lilli – no, not at all. Only if you’d like it a bit sweeter. :)
What kind of milk do you use in the latte?
Hi Allison – you can use any milk you’d like. I alternate between a 2% dairy milk, cashew milk, and macadamia nut milk… depending on the mood. :)
I’ve been having matcha lattes instead of morning coffee for about two years now. I do want to add that using cows’ milk is not good because it destroys an important benefit in the matcha. The milk sticks to polyphenols, which alters the bioavailability factors. However, “non-dairy milk” is perfect. You also have to use water that is around 175-degrees as boiling water will destroy it’s taste. I use a teaspoon of ceremonial matcha powder and a handheld frother to froth up the matcha and hot water. I use liquid stevia to sweeten. I heat a little Oatmilk in the microwave then froth that up separately, then pour that into the center of my tall matcha cup. I use a 16-ounce or 20-ounce tall cup to get the most amount out of my matcha latte.
Thanks so much for sharing your matcha latte recipe with us!
I love you matcha tea. ThANKYOU!