If you’re craving a creamy, cozy pick-me-up, this homemade Matcha Latte is a true treat for your senses. With vibrant green color, naturally sweet earthiness, and a frothy coconut milk finish, every sip tastes as delightful as your favorite café version—plus, you can customize it just the way you love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Café-Worthy Results: You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a luxurious Matcha Latte at home—no barista skills required.
- Creamy Coconut Comfort: The coconut milk brings a velvety texture and a subtle, tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with matcha’s grassy notes.
- Customizable Sweetness: Make it your own with maple syrup, honey, or any sweetener you like—just the way you crave it.
- Better-For-You Indulgence: Made with minimal, whole-food ingredients, this treat is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a dreamy Matcha Latte is all about starting with simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds its own unique magic to the cup—from the bold matcha powder to the luscious coconut milk and the sweetener of your choice.
- Matcha Powder: The star ingredient! Opt for ceremonial or high-quality culinary matcha for the brightest flavor and color. Sifting ensures a smooth, lump-free latte.
- Hot Water: Helps dissolve the matcha powder and creates that signature frothy base—be sure it’s hot but not boiling so you don’t scorch the delicate tea.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess, richness, and a subtle coconut flavor; light coconut milk offers a lighter sip, but you can go full-fat for extra decadence.
- Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup, honey, stevia, or any sweetener you love! This balances matcha’s earthy notes and makes it oh-so-sippable.
Variations
One of the best parts about a Matcha Latte is how easy it is to make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different milks, sweeteners, and even add-ins to customize every cup for your mood, dietary needs, or flavor cravings.
- Oat or Almond Milk: Swap the coconut milk for oat or almond milk for a nutty or extra-creamy dairy-free twist.
- Iced Matcha Latte: Pour the prepared latte over ice for a refreshing cold treat—especially perfect for warm days!
- Vanilla Matcha: Add a drop or two of pure vanilla extract for a fragrant, bakery-fresh aroma in every sip.
- Extra Frothy: Use a milk frother or blender after whisking to make your latte ultra-light and foamy, just like the pros serve it.
How to Make Matcha Latte
Step 1: Sift Your Matcha
Sifting your matcha might seem like an extra step, but it makes a world of difference. Pass the powder through a fine mesh strainer directly into your mug—this keeps lumps at bay, ensuring your Matcha Latte is silky smooth from the first sip to the last.
Step 2: Whisk with Hot Water
Next, add the hot water to your mug. Grab a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or a small regular whisk, then whisk briskly in an up-and-down motion. After about 30 seconds, your matcha should be frothy and vibrant green—a sure sign you’ve done it right!
Step 3: Pour in Warmed Coconut Milk
Gently warm your coconut milk (but don’t let it boil!) and pour it into your matcha base. Whisk again until the latte is seamlessly blended: the coconut milk creates that creamy, café-style body you’ll absolutely love.
Step 4: Sweeten and Adjust
Taste your Matcha Latte and decide if you’d like it a little sweeter or creamier. Drizzle in maple syrup, honey, or your sweetener of choice, and add more milk or water if needed. Give it another whisk, pour into your favorite mug, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Matcha Latte
- Optimal Water Temperature: Use water that’s just under boiling (about 175°F/80°C); this brings out matcha’s fresh, grassy flavor without any bitterness.
- Whisking Magic: Whisk vigorously in a zigzag or up-and-down motion—not in circles—for extra froth and an even blend, just like a Japanese tea master.
- Try Different Milks: Full-fat coconut milk makes this latte super decadent, while light coconut, oat, or almond milk give you a lighter but still luscious sip.
- Customize to Taste: Start with less sweetener and add more if you wish—it’s always easier to sweeten further than to take it away!
How to Serve Matcha Latte
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, dust a little extra matcha powder on top, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, or add a dollop of coconut whipped cream. These simple touches don’t just make your Matcha Latte beautiful—they add subtle flavors and irresistible flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your Matcha Latte with a buttery croissant, a slice of banana bread, or delicate almond cookies. The gentle sweetness and creamy texture of the latte complement both decadent pastries and healthy snacks alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Matcha Latte in a clear glass mug to show off its vibrant green hue, or layer it with frothy milk for a stunning ombré effect. For special mornings, top with a stenciled heart or leaf made from sifted matcha or cinnamon for a true barista moment at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Matcha Latte, pour it into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. The flavors settle beautifully overnight, and you can enjoy it chilled or give it a quick reheat when you’re ready for another sip.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any extra latte in ice cube trays. Once frozen, these green cubes make an amazing base for iced matcha lattes—just pop a few into a glass and pour over fresh milk for a cool, no-waste treat!
Reheating
When ready to reheat, simply warm your Matcha Latte gently on the stove or in the microwave (don’t let it boil!), giving it a good whisk or stir to bring back some of that gorgeous froth and restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
-
What type of matcha powder should I use for a Matcha Latte?
For the most vibrant color and fresh, smooth flavor, go for a high-quality ceremonial grade matcha, though a good-quality culinary grade also works. Avoid lower-quality matcha, as it can be bitter and dull in color.
-
Can I make a Matcha Latte without a whisk?
Absolutely! While a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) creates the silkiest froth, you can use a small kitchen whisk, a milk frother, or even shake everything in a tightly sealed jar for a quick, on-the-go blend.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely—just use plant-based milk (like coconut, almond, or oat) and a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or stevia to keep your Matcha Latte completely dairy- and animal-product free.
-
Why does my Matcha Latte taste bitter?
Bitter flavor is usually caused by using water that’s too hot or low-quality matcha powder. Make sure your water is around 175°F (not boiling!) and choose a premium grade for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made your own Matcha Latte before, consider this your friendly invitation to treat yourself. It’s simply delicious, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a mug of this gorgeous green goodness in your hand. Enjoy every sip!
Print
Matcha Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and creamy Matcha Latte at home with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
Matcha Latte:
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup coconut milk, warmed
- Maple syrup, honey, stevia, or sweetener of choice, optional
Instructions
- Sift Matcha Powder: Sift your matcha so it is lump-free.
- Prepare Matcha: Spoon the matcha into a large mug. Add the hot water and whisk briskly, in an up and down motion, until frothy – about 30 seconds or so. Add the coconut milk and whisk until well combined.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste and add additional water, coconut milk, and/or sweetener to your liking.
Notes
- I used light coconut milk, but you could use full-fat coconut milk if you prefer a richer latte.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
