Matcha Latte
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A matcha latte is a smooth, creamy green tea drink made by whisking finely milled Japanese matcha powder into a little hot water, then topping it with steamed or frothed milk. Ceremonial-grade matcha gives the drink its bright jade colour, natural umami sweetness, and gentle, sustained caffeine lift without the crash of coffee. It is quick to make at home, endlessly customisable hot or iced, and the foundation for almost every other matcha drink.
Region & Occasion
Ingredients
- •1-2 tsp (2-4 g) ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- •60 ml (1/4 cup) hot water, 70-80°C (160-175°F)
- •180 ml (3/4 cup) milk or plant-based milk
- •1 tsp honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional)
- •Ice cubes (optional, for an iced latte)
Where to Get Good Matcha
The flavour of your drink depends almost entirely on the matcha. For a smooth, naturally sweet result, use a quality ceremonial-grade powder such as Popcha ceremonial-grade matcha powder, Popcha matcha set.
Cooking Instructions
- 1Sift the matcha powder into a bowl or wide cup to break up any lumps.
- 2Add the hot water. Do not use boiling water, as temperatures above 80°C scorch the matcha and turn it bitter.
- 3Whisk briskly in a light "W" or zig-zag motion for 15-20 seconds until smooth, frothy, and uniformly green.
- 4Warm and froth the milk, or leave it cold and pour over ice for an iced latte.
- 5Stir in your sweetener now if using, then pour the milk slowly into the matcha.
- 6Hold back the foam with a spoon, top the drink with it, and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
- •Sift the matcha first; it is the single best step for a lump-free, silky latte.
- •Keep water at 70-80°C. Boiling water scorches matcha and turns it bitter.
- •Use ceremonial grade for drinking lattes and save culinary grade for baking.
- •For an iced latte, whisk the matcha with a little cold water and pour over ice and cold milk.
FAQ
What kind of matcha should I use for a latte?
Use ceremonial-grade matcha for drinking. It is stone-milled from young shade-grown leaves, so it is smooth and naturally sweet. Culinary grade is more bitter and better suited to baking.
Can I make a matcha latte without a bamboo whisk?
Yes. A handheld milk frother, a small jar you can shake, or a blender all work. The goal is simply to break up the powder and aerate it so the drink is smooth and frothy.
How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?
A latte made with 1-2 g of matcha contains roughly 35-70 mg of caffeine, less than a typical coffee. Matcha also contains L-theanine, which gives a calmer, more sustained energy.
How do I make it iced?
Whisk the matcha with a little cool water until smooth, fill a glass with ice and cold milk, then pour the matcha over the top and stir.
