Classic Hot & Iced Matcha Latte Recipes + 3 Creative Variations

Creating a tasty matcha latte is a simple yet rewarding process. Moving beyond the sugary, pre-mixed versions, crafting your own allows you to control the quality, strength, and sweetness, resulting in a far more authentic and satisfying experience. Plus, you get to enjoy numerous health benefits like antioxidants, improved focus, and a natural energy boost.

The Essential Tool Kit

• Fine-Mesh Sieve: Crucial for sifting matcha to prevent clumps, ensuring a smooth, lump-free paste.
• Bamboo Whisk (Chasen): Highly recommended. Its fine, numerous tines are uniquely designed to agitate the powder and create a beautiful, frothy emulsion. A small metal whisk or electric milk frother can be used for the initial paste in a pinch.
• Bowl (Chawan) or Small Jug: A wide, low bowl is traditional and ideal for whisking.
• Your favourite mug/glass.

Understanding Your Matcha

• Ceremonial Grade: Sourced from the first harvest, stone-ground, and intended for drinking with water only. It has a sublime, complex flavour with pronounced sweetness and umami. Best for traditional lattes where you want the matcha flavour to shine.
• Premium/Culinary Grade: Often from later harvests, it has a stronger, more astringent flavour profile that stands up well to milk and other ingredients in smoothies or baking.

Classic Recipe 1: The Classic Hot Matcha Latte

Ingredients:

• 1½ – 2 tsp ceremonial grade matcha (or 1 tsp for a milder taste)
• 2 tbsp hot water (approx. 80°C – just under boiling)
• 250ml milk of choice (oat and almond milk froth beautifully)
• Sweetener to taste: honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.

Instructions: 

• Sift: Place your matcha powder into your bowl through a fine sieve to break up any lumps.
• Heat Milk: Gently heat your milk in a saucepan until steaming hot (avoid boiling). Use a frother or whisk to create a rich foam.
• Form the Paste: Add the hot (80°C) water to the sifted matcha. Using your chasen, whisk briskly in a quick “M” or “W” shaped motion (not circular) until the tea is fully dissolved and a layer of fine foam, appears on the surface. This creates a smooth, concentrated base known as *koicha*.
• Sweeten: Add your chosen sweetener to the matcha paste and stir to combine.
• Combine: Pour the matcha paste into your mug/glass. Gently pour the hot, frothed milk over the top, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Top with the remaining foam. 
• Optional: Sprinkle some matcha powder on top.
• Enjoy Immediately.

Classic Recipe 2: The Refreshing Iced Matcha Latte

Ingredients:

• 1½ tsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp hot water (80°C)
• 1 tsp sweetener (simple syrup works best as it dissolves easily in cold drinks)
• 200ml cold milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Make Concentrate: Sift matcha into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Add the hot water and sweetener. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until completely smooth and frothy. (Alternatively, whisk in a bowl as before).
• Assemble: Fill a tall glass to the brim with ice cubes. Pour the cold milk over the ice.
• Layer: Slowly pour the matcha concentrate over the back of a spoon onto the milk to create a beautiful layered effect.
• Serve: Stir thoroughly before drinking to combine the rich matcha with the cool milk.

Also read:

• Matcha vs Coffee
• How Ceremonial Matcha is Made

Flavour Variations for Both Recipes

Matcha Espresso Latte:

Adding an espresso shot to a matcha latte creates a unique and flavorful blend that combines the best of both worlds. The earthy, slightly sweet taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the bold, rich flavor of espresso, resulting in a drink that’s both energizing and delicious. This combination not only enhances the depth and complexity of the beverage but also provides a stronger caffeine boost.

Coconut Matcha Latte:

Using coconut milk and a touch of coconut sugar for a matcha latte is a fantastic idea, as it enhances both the flavor and nutritional profile of the drink. Coconut milk provides a creamy, rich texture that pairs harmoniously with the earthy notes of matcha, creating a velvety beverage. Its subtle natural sweetness complements the slightly bitter undertones of matcha without overpowering them. Meanwhile, coconut sugar serves as a healthier, more natural sweetener option, offering a caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar. Together, these ingredients not only elevate the taste but also cater to those seeking dairy-free or plant-based alternatives.

Spiced Matcha Latte:

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to matcha enhances both its flavor and health benefits. These warm spices complement the earthy taste of matcha, offering a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the drink. Additionally, both cinnamon and nutmeg are known for their health-enhancing properties, such as anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Whether mixed into the matcha powder before sifting or sprinkled on top of the prepared drink, these spices can elevate your matcha experience with a comforting and nutritious twist.