Bright green, velvety foam, and gentle energy: the matcha latte is the caffeine alternative favored by lovers of healthy drinks. But getting it right matters. Here is the step-by-step recipe (hot and iced), its real benefits, and the mistakes that ruin everything.
Matcha latte combines Japanese green tea powder (matcha) with frothy milk. Unlike an infused tea, here you consume the entire leaf ground into powder — which explains its richness in nutrients and its particular energy, both stimulating and soothing. Follow the guide for a latte worthy of a tea salon.
Ceremonial or culinary matcha: which one for a latte?
It all starts with the quality of the powder. Ceremonial matcha, made from young first-harvest leaves, offers a smooth, umami flavor with no bitterness: it is the best choice for a delicious latte to enjoy as is. Culinary matcha is bolder and designed for baking. For a latte, choose a ceremonial grade like our Pure Matcha Cérémonie. To learn everything about its origins and production, read our Matcha Cérémonie guide.
The hot matcha latte recipe
For 1 cup:
- 1 teaspoon (≈ 2 g) ceremonial matcha
- 250 ml of milk of your choice (oat, almond, coconut, cow's milk)
- Hot water at 70–80 °C (never boiling)
- Optional: maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar
Steps:
- Sift the matcha into a bowl to remove lumps — the most important step.
- Add 50 ml of hot water (70–80 °C) and whisk in a W motion with a bamboo chasen until you get a fine foam.
- Heat and froth the milk separately.
- Pour the foamy milk over the matcha, sweeten if needed, and enjoy.
For precise matcha dosing, a traditional scoop like the bamboo chashaku is ideal.
The iced version (iced matcha latte)
- Prepare the matcha with a little hot water and whisk until foamy.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the cold milk.
- Add the matcha on top for a green gradient, then mix.
The benefits of matcha latte
- Steady energy : matcha caffeine is released more gradually than coffee, without a sharp spike or crash.
- Calm focus : it contains L-theanine, an amino acid associated with a state of relaxed alertness.
- Rich in antioxidants : matcha is naturally concentrated in catechins.
- Indulgent but manageable : made at home, you control the sugar.
Choosing the milk
- Oat : the creamiest, it highlights the green — the number one ally of matcha latte.
- Coconut : tropical roundness.
- Almond : light and nutty.
- Cow's milk : smooth, but it can mask the finest aromas.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using boiling water : above 80 °C, matcha becomes bitter. Aim for 70–80 °C.
- Skipping sifting : without a sieve, lumps remain.
- Poor-quality matcha : too low a grade gives a bitter taste and a dull color.
- Storing the powder incorrectly : keep it away from air, light, and moisture, otherwise it oxidizes and loses its green color.
Frequently asked questions
Does matcha latte contain a lot of caffeine?
A cup generally contains less caffeine than a filter coffee, but it is released more gradually thanks to L-theanine, which provides steadier and longer-lasting energy.
What water should you use to prepare matcha?
Hot water at 70–80 °C, never boiling. Water that is too hot makes matcha bitter and destroys part of its delicate aromas.
Can you make a matcha latte without a matcha whisk?
Yes, but the chasen creates the best foam. Failing that, use a small electric whisk or shake the matcha and water in a sealed jar before adding the milk.
Which matcha should you choose for a latte?
A ceremonial-grade matcha: smooth, umami, and not bitter, it is perfect for drinking as a latte. Culinary grade is better suited to baking.
Does matcha latte make you gain weight?
Matcha itself is very low in calories. It is mainly the milk and added sugar that matter: made at home with unsweetened plant-based milk, it stays light.
Your turn
With good powder, water at the right temperature, and a little foam, a homemade matcha latte can easily rival the ones from coffee shops — for a fraction of the price. Ready to give it a try? Discover our Pure Matcha Cérémonie and our bamboo accessories, and make your ideal green latte.
