Matcha, the vibrant green powder milled from whole green tea leaves, is more than just a trendy beverage.
It’s a rich source of antioxidants, L-theanine (an amino acid promoting relaxation and focus), and a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a calming afternoon treat.
This matcha latte recipe is simple to prepare, customizable to your taste, and sure to become your new favorite healthy indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal equipment, you can craft a barista-worthy matcha latte in minutes, right at home.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and milk froth to your liking, or experiment with different milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Versatile: Enjoy it hot or iced, plain or flavored with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or add a touch of spice with cinnamon or chai spices.
Ingredient Notes
- Matcha powder: Choose high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and health benefits. Look for a vibrant green color and a fine, powdery texture.
- Milk: You can use whole milk, skim milk, or your preferred milk alternative. Plant-based options like almond milk or oat milk work well with matcha. I used 2% milk.
- Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of stevia are great options.
- Water: Use filtered or spring water for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sift the matcha: This helps remove any clumps and ensures a smooth latte.
- Warm the milk: Heat the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling. Mix your sweetener in it, I used honey. Pour it into the french press and plunge until it doubles in volume. If you prefer your latte icy, froth the milk cold.
- Whisk the matcha: Add the sifted matcha powder to a small bowl with a splash of warm water (around 1/4 cup) and whisk vigorously until frothy.
- Combine: Pour the whisked matcha into your favorite mug. Then, slowly add the warm milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Top with foam: Spoon the remaining milk foam on top of the latte.
- Enjoy! Relax and savor the deliciousness of your homemade matcha latte.
Bonus Tip: For the ultimate Instagram-worthy matcha latte, use a matcha stencil to create artistic designs on the top of your foam.
Notes & Tips
- For a stronger matcha flavor, use 1 teaspoon of matcha powder. For a milder flavor, use 1/2 teaspoon.
- You can use a manual whisk, a milk frother, or even a blender to froth the milk.
- If you don’t have a sifter, you can use a fine mesh strainer to sift the matcha powder.
- For a perfectly layered latte, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer of foam.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract for a sweet twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality matcha: This can result in a bitter or grassy flavor. Choose high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha for the best experience. Aim for matcha powders in the $20 to $30 price range for lattes.
- Overheating the milk: Boiling the milk can destroy its delicate flavor and nutrients. Heat it until just warm and frothy.
- Not whisking the matcha properly: This will result in clumps and a less smooth latte. Whisk vigorously until frothy and smooth.
Storing and Preserving
- Store matcha powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It can last for up to 6 months properly stored.
- You can store leftover matcha latte in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the taste and texture may be slightly affected.
Related Latte Recipes
Quick Matcha Latte
Course: DrinksCuisine: Japanese1
servings7
minutes7
minutes220
kcal14
minutesEasy matcha latte recipe to try at home!
Ingredients
1 ¼ cups of your preferred milk
⅓ cup water
1 teaspoon matcha, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Tools
Directions
- Heat the Water: Opt for simmered, not boiling water. If you're using an electric kettle, set it to 175°F. Using filtered water is a good call if you have it.
- Froth the Sweetened Milk: Simmer the milk on the stovetop, then pour it halfway into a French press. Work the plunger up and down until the milk doubles in volume.
- Sift and Whisk the Matcha: To avoid clumps, sift the matcha into a bowl. Whisk it vigorously in a "W" shape using a matcha whisk, steering clear of circular motions.
- Combine Frothed Milk and Whisked Matcha: Pour the frothed milk into a cup, add the whisked matcha, and, if you like, finish with a dusting of matcha powder. Give it a good stir before enjoying.
Notes
- Look for a vibrant green shade in your matcha; the brighter, the better. Invest in matcha within the - range for quality lattes.
- Sift and whisk your matcha to avoid clumps; a mesh strainer comes in handy for sifting.
- A touch of sweetness in your matcha latte balances any bitterness.
- If a bamboo whisk is missing, shake warm water and matcha vigorously in a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid for about 30 seconds.
- The rich froth, achieved using the French press method, is the secret behind the premium feel of coffee shop matcha lattes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a bamboo whisk essential for preparing a matcha latte?
While a bamboo whisk (chasen) is the traditional tool for whisking matcha, it’s not absolutely necessary. For a smooth and clump-free latte, you can substitute with a:
- Cocktail shaker: Add warm water and matcha powder to the shaker, close tightly, and shake vigorously until no lumps remain.
- Jar with a tight lid: Follow the same method as with a shaker.
- Small whisk: This can be a hand whisk or even a milk frother whisk.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes, matcha does contain caffeine.
However, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in matcha, provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters and crashes associated with coffee.
This makes matcha a desirable choice for those seeking a calmer, more focused energy boost.
What are the best methods for frothing milk for a matcha latte?
There are several ways to achieve cafe-quality froth for your matcha latte:
- Electric milk frother: This convenient option heats and froths milk simultaneously, simplifying the process.
- French Press: Heat milk on the stovetop until simmering. Fill the French press halfway with the warmed milk and pump the plunger rapidly for a few seconds.
- Handheld milk frother: This manual tool is a budget-friendly option for frothing cold milk. Simply immerse the frother in the milk and move it up and down briskly until the desired froth consistency is achieved.
Why choose an electric milk frother over the French press method?
While the French press can create impressive froth, it requires heating the milk separately, adding an extra step to the process.
Additionally, cleaning a French press can be more time-consuming compared to an electric frother.