Matcha Latte

A warm, frothy matcha latte with a smooth, earthy flavor and a hint of sweetness. This cozy drink is easy to make and ready in just 5 minutes!

If you’re looking for a latte that’s both energizing and nourishing, a matcha green tea latte is a fantastic choice! With its naturally vibrant green hue and velvety texture, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. 

One of my favorite things about making matcha lattes at home is how customizable they are. You can adjust the sweetness, experiment with different types of milk, and even add extra flavor boosts like vanilla or cinnamon.

Unlike coffee, matcha has a naturally mild, umami-rich flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy steamed milk. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, it’s a soothing drink that keeps you feeling refreshed and focused throughout the day.

Let’s get into how to make the perfect cup of matcha!

What is Matcha?

If you’re unfamiliar with matcha, the word comes from Japanese, and it means “ground tea.”

Unlike traditional green tea, which is steeped and then discarded, matcha is consumed in its whole form. The leaves are carefully dried and stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder.

Because you’re consuming the whole leaf, matcha provides a richer, more complex flavor and a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants than traditional green tea.

Instead of delivering a quick caffeine spike like coffee, matcha green tea provides up to 6 hours of sustained energy, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine. It promotes focus and alertness without the jitters or crashes. 

Beyond lattes, it’s incredibly versatile – you can use it in smoothies, baking, and even ice cream! 

Why You’ll Love This Matcha Latte

This vibrant green tea latte brings a bold flavor and nourishing benefits that are hard to resist. The combination of matcha and steamed milk creates a creamy, soothing beverage that’s perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon treat. Here are more reasons to love this recipe:

• Smooth, creamy, and naturally sweetened
• Packed with antioxidants and a gentle caffeine boost
• Easy to make at home in just 5 minutes
• Provides sustained energy, and it is easy to customize 

Ingredients For Matcha Green Tea Latte

Matcha powder: Provides the distinct green tea flavor and vibrant color. Choose a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha for the best taste.

Hot water: Helps dissolve the matcha powder, creating a smooth base.

Sweetener: Pure maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness. Adjust to taste or substitute with your preferred sweetener.

Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a great choice, but any milk or plant-based alternative can be used.

How to Make The Perfect Matcha Latte

Heat the water until it’s hot but not boiling, ideally 155 to 178 degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling water can make matcha taste bitter, so let it cool for a minute after heating.

Add the matcha green tea latte powder to a mug or small bowl. Pour in the hot water and whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk until the matcha is completely dissolved and a light layer of froth forms on top. 

If you don’t have a whisk, you can use a hand held milk frother or shake everything in a sealed jar until well combined.

Stir in the sweetener of choice. Maple syrup or honey are both great choices. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Warm your milk of choice on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s steaming but not boiling. If you have a milk frother, this is the perfect time to use it! Frothing the milk makes the latte extra creamy and delicious.

Pour the warm milk into the matcha mixture, stirring gently to combine. And that’s it! Your green tea latte is ready to enjoy. 

Sprinkle a little extra matcha on top or add a dash of cinnamon for an extra cozy touch. If you prefer it iced, just dissolve the matcha in hot water, then pour it over ice before adding cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is matcha high in caffeine?

Matcha contains caffeine, but it typically provides a more sustained energy boost compared to coffee, without the sudden crash. A teaspoon of matcha has around 68mg of caffeine.

What’s the best milk for a matcha latte?

Any milk works! Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are great for a dairy-free option, while whole milk makes it extra creamy.  

Can I make a sugar-free matcha latte?

Absolutely! You can skip the sweetener altogether or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

What’s the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha?

Ceremonial-grade matcha is higher quality, and has a smoother, naturally sweet flavor. Culinary-grade matcha is slightly more bitter and is often used in baking, smoothies, and cooking. For your matcha latte, I recommend using ceremonial-grade for the best flavor and smoothest texture.

Recipe Adaptations And Additions:

• Make it iced – Dissolve the matcha in a small amount of hot water, then pour over ice with cold milk.
• Use a different sweetener – Try agave, coconut sugar, stevia, or monk fruit. You can also blend your milk with a date for natural sweetness.
• Experiment with the flavor – Try different types of milk to find your preferred taste and creaminess. 
• Infuse with spices – A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve with a Matcha Latte

A matcha latte pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and pastries. Consider enjoying it with a slice of banana bread, soft muffins, or a bowl of fresh fruit. For a savory option, avocado toast, roasted nuts or seaweed crisps complement the earthy flavor of matcha. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Mango Matcha Smoothie
• Grain-Free Matcha Muffins 
• Vegan Banana Bread 

Other Tasty Beverage Recipes to Try

• Naturally Sweetened Caramel Macchiato (vegan)
• Homemade Chai Latte
• Paleo Eggnog Latte (vegan)
• Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Earl Grey Matcha Latte

Enjoy this cozy warm beverage daily!

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