Matcha Latte: The Ultimate Guide to Making and Enjoying Matcha

Matcha Latte: How to Make It + 5 Easy Recipes to Try at Home

Learn how to make a matcha latte at home with step-by-step tips. Discover 5 delicious recipes—classic, iced, strawberry, coconut, and lavender.

If you’ve been to a coffee shop lately, you’ve probably noticed a bright green drink on the menu: the matcha latte. Creamy, earthy, and full of energy, this Japanese-inspired drink has quickly become a favorite around the world. Whether you sip it hot on a cozy morning or  iced on a sunny afternoon, the matcha latte is more than just a trendy café beverage—it’s a ritual, a wellness boost, and a treat all in one.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about matcha lattes: what they are, why they’re good for you, how to make them, and five delicious recipes you can try at home.

What Is a Matcha Latte?

At the heart of every matcha latte is matcha powder. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep leaves and discard them, matcha is made by grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder. That means when you drink it, you’re consuming the entire leaf—and all its nutrients.

Matcha has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, used intraditional tea ceremonies that symbolize mindfulness and simplicity. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide for its unique flavor: slightly grassy, earthy, and naturally sweet when balanced with milk.

Here’s why people love it:

• Nutrient powerhouse: Matcha contains up to 10x more nutrients than regular green tea.
• Rich in antioxidants: Packed with catechins (especially EGCG), which support metabolism and immunity.
• Calm energy boost: Thanks to L-theanine, matcha delivers steady energy without the jitters or crashes you might get from coffee.

That’s why sipping a matcha latte feels so different—it fuels both body and mind.

Health Benefits of a Matcha Latte

A matcha latte is more than just pretty green foam in your cup. It’s loaded with health benefits, including:

1. Steady Energy: Matcha has caffeine, but L-theanine balances it for calm alertness.
2. High Antioxidants: Catechins fight free radicals, supporting healthy skin and aging.
3. Boosts Metabolism: EGCG may support weight management and fat oxidation.
4. Focus & Clarity: Thecaffeine-L-theanine combo sharpens concentration and memory.
5. Nutrient Dense: Since you consume the whole leaf, you get chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.

Pairing these benefits with the creamy comfort of milk makes a matcha latte both indulgent and functional.

How to Make a Traditional Matcha Latte (Hot)

Making a homemade matcha latte is easy, and you don’t need fancy café equipment. Just grab some quality matcha powder, a whisk, and your favorite milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.5 teaspoons matcha powder (sifted)
• 2 ounces hot water (about 175°F / 80°C—not boiling)
• 6 ounces steamed milk (coconut, oat, almond, or dairy)
• Optional: honey, maple syrup, or agave

Instructions:

1. Sift matcha powder into a mug or bowl to prevent clumps.
2. Whisk with hot water in a zig-zag motion until frothy and smooth.
3. Add steamed milk and whisk again for a creamy texture.
4. Sweeten to taste and enjoy!

Pro Tip: A bamboo whisk (chasen) is traditional, but a milk frotheror handheld whisk works too.

5 Matcha Latte Recipes You Can Make at Home

One of the best things about a matcha latte is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it hot or iced, fruity or floral, simple or decadent. Here are five delicious recipes:

1. Classic Hot Matcha Latte

A creamy, cozy latte perfect for mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• 6 ounces steamed milk (almond, oat, or dairy)
• Maple syrup or honey (optional)

Method: Whisk matcha with hot water, add steamed milk, froth, and sweeten.

2. Iced Matcha Latte

Refreshing and energizing—great for warm weather.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• 1 cup milk of choice (oat works beautifully)
• Ice cubes
• Sweetener (honey, simple syrup, or agave)

Method: Dissolve matcha in hot water, chill, then pour over ice and milk. For another refreshing summer drink, check outHow to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

3. Strawberry Matcha Latte

A fruity, café-style favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• ½ cup milk of choice
• 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (or syrup)
• Ice cubes

Method: Layer strawberry puree, ice, milk, and top with whisked matcha for a stunning drink. For more on this variation, visit our fullStrawberry Matcha Latte blog.

4. Vanilla Coconut Matcha Latte

A tropical twist with creamy coconut flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup oat or almond milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sweetener to taste

Method: Whisk matcha with hot water, stir in vanilla-infused coconut milk, blend with oat milk, and sweeten.

5. Honey Lavender Matcha Latte

Floral, soothing, and perfect for winding down.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• ¾ cup milk of choice
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender (or lavender extract)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method: Infuse warm milk with lavender, strain, whisk matcha with water, add lavender milk, and sweeten with honey.

Matcha Latte Variations and Flavor Tips

Here are some fun ways to experiment with your matcha latte:

• Hot vs. iced: Matcha is delicious either way.
• Milk options: Oat for creaminess, almond for nuttiness, coconut for tropical notes, dairy for richness.
• Flavor add-ins: Try cinnamon,peppermint, vanilla, or chocolate.
• Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, agave, or monk fruit.
• Boosters: Add collagen or protein powder for extra nutrition.

Why Make a Matcha Latte at Home?

Ordering a matcha latte at your favorite café is convenient, but making one at home has big advantages:

1. Save money: Café lattes can cost $6–$8 each. At home, they cost pennies.
2. Control sweetness: Most coffee shop versions are overly sweet. You decide the flavor balance.
3. Experiment: Try different milks, sweeteners, and add-ins.
4. Quality matcha: Choose ceremonial or premium culinary grade for the best taste and nutrition—just like you would withspecialty coffee.

FAQ: Matcha Latte Questions Answered

1. Does a matcha latte have caffeine?
Yes! A standard matcha latte has about 60–70 mg of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. Thanks to L-theanine, the caffeine in matcha is released slowly, giving you steady energy.

2. Is a matcha latte healthier than coffee?
Both drinks have benefits, but matcha provides antioxidants and a calmer energy boost. Many people prefer it for focus without jitters.

3. What milk is best for a matcha latte?
Oat milk creates the creamiest latte, but almond, soy, coconut, and dairy all work well. Choose based on flavor and texture preference.

4. Can you make a matcha latte without a whisk?
Yes! Use a milk frother, small kitchen whisk, or even a jar with a tight lid—just shake until frothy.

5. What’s the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha?
Ceremonial matcha is higher quality, smoother, and less bitter—ideal for lattes. Culinary matcha is stronger and often used for baking or smoothies.

6. Can I drink a matcha latte every day?
Absolutely. In fact, many people replace their daily coffee with a matcha latte for steady energy and antioxidant support.

Final Thoughts: Why Everyone Loves a Matcha Latte

The matcha latte isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a delicious, nutrient-packed drink that blends tradition with modern wellness. Whether you enjoy it hot and cozy, iced and refreshing, or flavored with strawberries, vanilla, or lavender, there’s a version for everyone.

By making your matcha latte at home, you’ll save money, enjoy fresher ingredients, and get the perfect balance of flavor every time. All it takes is a little whisking, some creamy milk, and your favorite matcha powder.

So, the next time you’re craving a café-style drink, skip the line and whip up a matcha latte at home. Once you do, you’ll see why this vibrant green drink has become a global favorite. And if you’re ready to explore beyond matcha, don’t forget to check out ourFresh Tea Collection.