Matcha Latte

The Matcha Latte is a delightful and energizing drink that beautifully balances the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha with the creamy sweetness of milk. It can be prepared hot for a comforting experience or iced for a refreshing treat. The vibrant green color makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It has become a global café staple, beloved for its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
Matcha Latte

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Matcha Latte is a non-alcoholic tea drink. It is a popular café beverage that can be served both hot and iced, and is considered a modern classic in the world of specialty beverages.

Serving

Typically served hot in a mug or cold over ice in a tumbler glass, this is a non-alcoholic beverage of about 8-12 ounces.
Serving size
~240-350 ml / 8-12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot or Cold
Glass type
Mug or Latte Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While traditional Japanese tea ceremonies have centered around matcha for centuries, the Matcha Latte is a modern invention. It gained popularity in Japanese cafes in the late 20th century and spread globally with the rise of coffee shop culture. This fusion of ancient tradition with a modern latte format made matcha accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Origin
Japan, late 20th century. It evolved from traditional matcha preparation but was adapted for a modern café setting.

Matcha Latte

The drink is widely known as Matcha Latte. Its original Japanese name is 抹茶ラテ (Matcha Rate). It is also commonly referred to as a Green Tea Latte, especially in coffee shop chains.
Original name
抹茶ラテ
Alternative name
Green Tea Latte

Characteristics overview

This drink has a unique earthy and grassy flavor balanced by creamy sweetness, with a smooth, velvety texture. Its vibrant green color is iconic, and it can be enjoyed as a warming hot beverage or a refreshing iced one.
Flavor
Earthy, Grassy, Creamy, Slightly sweet, Umami, Vegetal
Aroma
Green tea, Grassy, Sweet, Milky
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering green tea, Smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Vibrant green, Opaque, Milky, Sometimes with latte art
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing (iced), Warming (hot), All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a creamy, non-alcoholic drink with a gentle sweetness and a characteristic slight bitterness from the matcha. It has no carbonation, saltiness, or spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need high-quality matcha powder, hot water to dissolve it, your choice of milk, and an optional sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
  • Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder1 to 2 teaspoons
    Use high-quality matcha for the best flavor and color. Sift before use to prevent clumps.
  • Hot Water60 ml / 2 oz
    Water should be hot but not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C, to avoid burning the matcha.
  • Milk180 ml / 6 oz
    Whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk work well. Oat milk provides extra creaminess.
  • Sweetener1 to 2 teaspoons, or to taste(optional)
    Honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or simple syrup can be used. Adjust to personal preference.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for iced version), None (for hot version)

Mixing equipments

A bamboo whisk (chasen) and a small bowl are traditional for making a smooth matcha paste. A milk frother or saucepan is needed to heat and foam the milk for a hot latte.
  • Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) or Small Frother for mixing matcha
  • Small Bowl (Chawan) for whisking
  • Saucepan or Milk Steamer for heating milk

Instructions

The process involves making a smooth paste with matcha powder and hot water, then combining it with steamed, sweetened milk. The final drink is often garnished with a sprinkle of matcha powder.
1. Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl to remove any clumps.
2. Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water (not boiling, about 175°F or 80°C) to the bowl.
3. Whisk vigorously in a "W" or "M" motion using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small frother until the matcha is completely dissolved and a fine foam appears on top.
4. Gently heat and froth 6 ounces (180 ml) of your preferred milk in a saucepan or using a milk steamer. Do not let it boil.
5. If using, stir your desired amount of sweetener into the frothed milk until dissolved.
6. Pour the whisked matcha into a mug or latte glass.
7. Slowly pour the steamed milk over the matcha. Hold back the foam with a spoon and then spoon it on top.
8. Garnish with a light dusting of matcha powder on top and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple dusting of matcha powder on top of the foam is the most common and elegant garnish for this drink.
  • Dusting of Matcha Powder on top of the foam

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian, gluten-free, and egg-free, but it contains caffeine and is not inherently dairy-free or vegan unless plant-based milk is used.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Matcha Latte is moderately low in calories and carbohydrates, with its sugar content primarily coming from the milk and any added sweeteners.
Calories
Averagely 120-180 kcal / 502-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
10-20g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
8-18g
Sugar level

Occasions

A Matcha Latte is perfect as a morning alternative to coffee, an energizing afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy, relaxing treat. It suits any casual occasion where a warm or cold specialty beverage is desired.
  • Morning Boost
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Relaxing Treat
  • Coffee Alternative

Pairing suggestions

A Matcha Latte pairs wonderfully with traditional Japanese sweets like mochi, as well as light pastries, shortbread cookies, or white chocolate. The creamy, earthy flavors of the drink complement these delicate, sweet treats.
  • Mochi
  • Shortbread Cookies
  • Light Pastries
  • White Chocolate

Matcha Latte: A Symphony of Creamy Green Tea

The Matcha Latte is a globally beloved beverage that combines the rich, earthy taste of Japanese green tea with creamy, frothed milk. It can be served either hot or iced and customized with various milks and sweeteners. This vibrant green drink is not only visually stunning but also offers a gentle caffeine boost, making it a popular alternative to coffee. Its preparation, rooted in tradition but adapted for modern tastes, results in a smooth, comforting, and unique flavor experience.