The matcha latte has become a must-have drink for coffee and tea lovers. Prized for its beautiful green color, health benefits, and unique taste, it offers a smooth alternative to coffee while providing sustained energy.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this comprehensive guide explains how to prepare a perfectly balanced hot or iced matcha latte, with simple techniques and tips from our baristas.
- What is matcha?
- Essential ingredients
- How to make a hot matcha latte?
- How to make an iced matcha latte?
- Which milk or plant-based beverage should you choose?
- Mistakes to avoid
- How to improve your matcha latte
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea powder used for centuries in the tea ceremony. Unlike brewed teas, you consume the entire leaf, making it a beverage rich in antioxidants.
Its flavor is vegetal, slightly sweet, and sometimes umami. Its quality varies greatly: ceremonial-grade matcha will be milder and less bitter than culinary matcha.
Why is the matcha latte so popular?
- Provides sustained energy
- Rich in antioxidants
- Smooth and customizable taste
- Perfect hot or iced
Essential ingredients:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder
- 60 ml of hot (not boiling) water
- 180 to 240 ml of milk (or plant-based milk)
Sweetener to taste (optional): such as simple syrop, vanilla syrop, maple syrop, etc.
Barista tip: The water should never be boiling (ideally 70–80°C), otherwise the matcha will taste bitter!
How to make a hot matcha latte?
Steps
- Sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to avoid lumps.
- Add 60 ml of hot water (70–80°C).
- Whisk vigorously in a "W" motion with a bamboo whisk or electric milk frother until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Heat the milk separately (do not boil).
- Froth the milk to a creamy texture.
- Pour the matcha into a cup, then add the hot milk.
- Sweet to taste, if desired.
Expected result
A hot matcha latte should be smooth, slightly frothy, and balanced between the bitterness of the tea and the sweetness of the milk.
How to make an iced matcha latte?
Steps
- Sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder.
- Add 60 ml of hot water.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour cold milk over the ice.
- Gently add the matcha powder on top.
- Stir before drinking.
Tip: For a slightly sweeter version, use lightly sweetened oat or almond milk, or even vanilla-flavored milk.
Which milk or plant-based beverage should you choose?
The choice of milk greatly influences the taste and texture of your matcha latte.
- Whole milk: rich and creamy texture
- Oat milk: smooth and naturally sweet
- Almond milk: light and slightly nutty
- Soy milk: well-balanced and stable foam
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using boiling water
- Not sifting the matcha
- Not whisking properly (lumps);
- Using poor-quality matcha
How to improve your matcha latte?
- Add a touch of vanilla syrup
- Use well-frothed milk
- Try different matcha-to-milk ratios
- Use a higher-quality matcha
Mastering the matcha latte at home is easy once you understand the basics. With good matcha, an effective whisking technique, and the right milk, you can easily recreate a drink worthy of a specialty coffee shop.
Experiment, adjust, and find your perfect balance!
