Looking to add some extra love to your day? Meet the love latte, a dreamy iced matcha latte made with matcha powder and topped with a cloud of homemade ruby chocolate cold foam. It’s sweet, smooth, slightly fruity, and completely swoon-worthy.

Whether you're making it for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s brunch, or just as a little act of self-love, this is the kind of latte you’re going to want to make time for.

Why matcha and (ruby) chocolate work so well

Matcha tea powder has a naturally smooth, slightly sweet profile with delicious umami notes. Good matcha will be vibrant, creamy, and well-balanced, making it the perfect base for some rich chocolatey goodness.

Ruby chocolate adds

• A naturally pink hue without any artificial colors

• Subtle berry-like flavor

• A creamy sweetness that complements matcha without overpowering it

Unlike dark chocolate (which can be bitter) or white chocolate (which can be overly sweet), ruby chocolate brings a fresh, lightly fruity flavor that upgrades this latte and makes it unique.

What is ruby chocolate?

Ruby chocolate is sometimes referred to as the “fourth type” of chocolate, alongside dark, milk, and white.

It’s made from specially processed ruby cacao beans and has a naturally pink hue and a subtle berry-like flavor. It doesn’t have any bitterness like dark chocolate does. Unlike white chocolate, it isn’t overly sweet or flat. Instead, it has a light, fruity taste with a slightly tangy note.

What are chocolate callets?

Callettes are small, round discs of chocolate designed for easy melting. Think of them as chef-friendly chocolate chips.

Because of their shape and size, callets melt evenly and dissolve smoothly, making them ideal for sauces and ganache.

If you can’t find callets, chopped ruby chocolate bars work just as well; make sure to finely chop them so they melt evenly.

Can’t find ruby chocolate? 

Ruby chocolate can sometimes be hard to find in regular grocery stores. Here are some good substitutes:

1. White Chocolate + Freeze-Dried Raspberry Powder

Melt white chocolate and stir in a small amount of freeze-dried raspberry powder. This gives you that pink hue and subtle fruity flavor.

2. White Chocolate + A Touch of Strawberry

Add a small spoonful of strawberry purée (strained to remove seeds) to melted white chocolate. Keep it minimal as you want flavor, not extra liquid.

3. Dark Chocolate

If you prefer something less sweet, using dark chocolate can also work. It won’t be pink, but it will be delicious.

Ingredients

Matcha Latte

2 tsp matcha powder

3 tbsp hot water

½ cup milk of choice

2 tsp simple syrup

Ice cubes

Ruby Chocolate Cold Foam (Makes 2 servings)

3 tbsp ruby chocolate callets

2 tbsp milk, steamed

¼ cup heavy cream 

Directions

1. Sift the matcha into a bowl to prevent clumps. Add hot water and whisk vigorously until smooth and frothy. Stir in the milk and simple syrup. Set aside.

2. Add ruby chocolate to a cup. Pour in the steamed milk and let sit for about 30 seconds. Stir until completely smooth and melted.

3. Add the heavy cream and froth until thick and velvety. The texture should be airy but still pourable.

4. Fill a glass with ice and pour in your matcha latte. Slowly spoon or pour the ruby chocolate cold foam over the top.

Tips & tricks

• Sift your matcha.  It only takes a few seconds and is the best way to ensure a silky-smooth texture.

• Use high-quality matcha. A ceremonial-grade gives you the best flavor. Good matcha won’t be bitter, but will instead have a smooth, umami, earthy flavor.

• Froth it well. All you need is a handheld electric frother!

• Don’t over-sweeten. Ruby chocolate is naturally sweet, so balance is key.

Bottom Line

 With antioxidant-rich matcha and a dreamy ruby chocolate foam, this love latte is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. It’s romantic, beautiful, and a fun way to show yourself some extra love.