This refreshing, antioxidant-packed matcha latte is a healthful, rejuvenating morning pick-me-up. It’s also surprisingly simple to prepare in just a few minutes – a dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan recipe to enjoy every day!

Having posted a recipe for a delicious iced matcha latte, it somehow completely escaped me that I had yet to post a method for a simple, delicious hot matcha latte. If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ll probably notice that this matcha latte has been featured in my stories over many (many!) mornings across the last three years.

Now I’m finally putting fingers to keyboard to type down my method on how to make matcha lattes at home in just a few simple steps!

I love to drink matcha as a coffee alternative. Not only does it contain less caffeine, but the caffeine it does contain doesn’t give you any of the nasty ‘side-effects’ that caffeine can give: twitchiness, energy crash, etc. Which means it’s perfect for those long, busy days (so… every day!).

This matcha latte is light, earthy, and creamy and can be made dairy or dairy-free. Though it isn’t 100% necessary, I also suggest picking up a small handheld milk frother. You can pick one up for literally just a few £/$, and they are pure genius for any at-home coffee/hot drink lovers.

The Ingredients

The Matcha: avoid matcha tea that is a dark murky green and brownish. Instead, look for lighter and brighter green color. This usually means a better flavor and quality matcha.
I’ve found that spending more DOES equal a better product. I tend to go for brands around $30 per tin.

The Milk: I love the creamy, frothy-ness of oat milk. However, you can use any of your favorite dairy-free milk options (almond milk, rice milk, etc). Optionally, you could also use dairy milk.

The Sweetener: I use maple syrup. You can use any liquid sweetener (agave, maple, honey if not vegan, etc). OR a granulated sugar (if you dissolve it in hot liquid first). Alternatively, feel free to use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol, for a sugar-free matcha latte.

Optional: You could also add some vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to the drink.

The Tools

• You’ll need something to mix the matcha latte. I use a matcha whisk (well worth the investment if you drink as much of this green tea latte as I do!). You could also use a small handheld whisk.
• Optionally, you’ll also need something to froth the milk with, if you prefer a light and airy frothy matcha latte. I use a fairly inexpensive handheld milk frother. Read the recipe for more ways to froth your milk at home.

The Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Dilute the matcha powder

First, use a little milk or water (best warm/hot- but never boiling or it will go bitter) to dissolve the matcha powder. This will help you to avoid any clumps in the matcha latte.

Chef’s note: It’s traditional to use hot water, but I’ve found it works just as well with warm milk. It can also help to sift the matcha into the mug first, to really avoid any clumping. 

Then, using the matcha whisk, whisk vigorously back and forth in a ‘W’ pattern until the powder has completely dissolved (around 40 seconds).

Step 2: Heat and froth the milk

You can heat the milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. You, ideally, don’t want to heat the milk above around 160ºF/70ºC. Once again, if the milk is too hot then it will lead to bitter matcha.

If you don’t have a thermometer, then simply heat the milk till it simmers but has yet to boil. Once heated, you can froth the milk (optionally – but I definitely suggest you do so for amazing results!)

How To Froth Milk At Home

There are several ways for you to achieve a great airy, frothy milk at home, even without an automatic or handheld milk frother (what I use – just place in the milk and allow to do its magic). 

1. In a French Press: if you have a French press, this option works amazingly. Simply pout the warm milk into the French press and plunge up and down until it practically doubles in height within the jug. 
2. In a mason jar: using a heat-proof jar, you can pop your milk into it and shake shake shake – it’s not the best method, but it does work to create some larger bubble froth. 
3. You could also use an immersion blender, handheld whisk, or electric mixer. 

Step 3: Combine and serve

Pour the frothed milk into a cup or chawan (bowl). Then, add the sweetener and stir. Feel free to sweeten to taste rather than follow my exact amounts.

Finally, add the matcha mixture and stir one last time with the matcha whisk. Enjoy!

Chef’s note: You can also pour the frothed milk over the pre-prepared matcha to save yourself a step.

You can also serve in a tall glass or a regular mug.

Recipe Notes

• If you want to be ‘fancy’ and make a layered latte then add your sweetener to the milk and pour that into the glass first, then pour in the matcha. the sugar content in the milk will keep it at the bottom of the glass. Pour the matcha in slowly though, to help the separation.
• If your matcha is bitter, then you’ve likely used water/milk that is too hot (never use boiling water/milk). However, the grade of matcha or amount of matcha used may also be the issue.
• There are three ‘grades’ of matcha tea including culinary, premium, and ceremonial. The lower the grade, the worse the flavor and quality. I usually splash out for premium matcha – however, if you want the very best and most delicious, then go for a high-quality ceremonial grade matcha green tea powder. 
• For a super quick ‘cheat’ matcha latte, you can add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend blend blend. This will froth the milk while mixing (though it leads to extra washing up).

More delicious drink recipes

• Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
• How To Make Green Tea (with tea leaves)
• How To Make Ginger Tea
• Dalgona Latte
• Iced Latte
• Fresh Mint Tea

If you give this matcha latte recipe a go, then let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.