Matcha Latte Recipe – How to Make a Delicious Matcha Latte at Home

The matcha latte has become a go-to drink for anyone who loves healthy, delicious café-style beverages. Blending the benefits of Japanese matcha with the comfort of milk, it’s a smooth alternative to coffee — easy to make at home, naturally rich in antioxidants, and beautifully vibrant. Below, you’ll learn how to make a matcha latte (hot or iced) — and why choosing an organic ceremonial matcha makes all the difference.

Origins and story of the matcha latte

Matcha comes from a centuries-old Japanese tradition, once reserved for Zen tea ceremonies. The matcha latte is a modern twist popularised by coffee shops, combining the tea ritual with a creamy, Western-style format. Loved for its bright green colour, delicate foam and smooth energy, the matcha latte is now a signature drink — hot or iced.

Prep time

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking: None

Total time: 5 minutes

Serves: 1 cup (about 300 ml)

What is a matcha latte?

A matcha latte combines finely milled Japanese green tea powder with warm or cold milk. Because you drink the whole leaf (in powder form), you enjoy matcha’s nutrients: antioxidants, L-theanine and gentle-release caffeine. It’s comforting, balanced, and easy to adapt to the season as a hot matcha latte or an iced matcha latte.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp (≈2 g) organic ceremonial matcha
• 70 ml hot water at ~75°C
• 200–250 ml milk (plant-based or dairy)
• 1 tsp maple syrup, honey or natural sweetener (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Ice cubes (for an iced matcha latte)

How to make a matcha latte

1. Prep the matcha: Sift the matcha (≈2 g) to prevent clumps.
2. Whisk: Add hot water (~75°C) and whisk vigorously (a “W” motion) with a bamboo whisk until you get a fine micro-foam.
3. Warm & froth the milk: Heat the milk gently (do not boil) and froth it for a silky texture.
4. Assemble: Pour the whisked matcha into a mug, add frothed milk, sweeten to taste (vanilla/cinnamon if you like), and enjoy.

Iced version: Prepare matcha as above, let it cool for 1–2 minutes, pour over ice, then top with cold milk. Tip: shake in a sealed jar or a cocktail shaker for a light barista-style foam.

Which milk is best for a matcha latte?

Milk changes everything: foam, sweetness and mouthfeel. For a true “coffee shop” vibe, oat milk creates a naturally sweet, silky foam: matcha latte with oat milk. For a more neutral taste that highlights umami, try: matcha latte with soy milk. Hazelnut adds a praline-like note: matcha latte with hazelnut milk. For a cosy, slightly rustic profile: spelt milk matcha latte. And for an exotic, creamy twist: matcha latte with coconut milk — or a smooth classic: matcha latte with almond milk.

Barista-style and indulgent variations

• Coffee shop style: recreate the famous version with Starbucks-style matcha latte.
• Extra silky: go all-in on micro-foam with a creamy matcha latte.
• Fruity: a refreshing summer twist with strawberry matcha latte or mango matcha latte.
• Pistachio lover: try the pistachio matcha latte.
• Seasonal spices: cosy autumn vibes with pumpkin spice matcha latte or apple caramel matcha latte.
• Special edition: feel-good green with Matcha Latte Earth Day.

Barista tips

• Dosage: 2 g for a clean taste, 2.5 g for a more intense latte.
• Water: ~75°C to preserve umami (avoid boiling water).
• Foam: whisk in a “W” motion, or use a milk frother for a fine micro-foam.
• Iced: shake to texture cold matcha instantly.
• Sweetener: add at the end — or rely on naturally sweet plant milks.

Nutrition note

Matcha is naturally rich in catechins (EGCG) and L-theanine, which helps balance caffeine for calm, steady focus. Keep added sugar minimal for a more balanced cup.

When to enjoy a matcha latte

Perfect in the morning for a gentle start, or mid-afternoon to avoid a “crash.” Before a light workout, an iced matcha latte feels refreshing and focused. In winter, a hot matcha latte is pure comfort.

Diet compatibility

Compatible with vegetarian, vegan (with plant milk) and gluten-free diets. Adjust sweetener based on your goals.

Nutrition facts (per 1 cup)

FAQ: matcha latte