A matcha latte

Learn · Latte recipes

How to make a matcha latte

Our golden ratio matcha latte recipe takes about three minutes at home. Here’s how to make one hot, iced or sweetened your way, with a short video for each.

Before you start

The golden matcha latte ratio

Matcha
1 tsp (2g)
Prefer it stronger? Use 1½ tsp (3g).
Water
2 oz
165–180°F, not boiling.
Milk
6–8 oz
Steamed or cold. Any milk works: oat and whole milk froth best.
Sweetener
1–2 tsp
Optional: honey, maple or simple syrup.
An overhead view of matcha tools, a bamboo scoop, a bamboo whisk, a sifter, a bowl and an electric frother

Tools

What you’ll need

  1. Bamboo scoop

    A bamboo scoop (chashaku) measures matcha from the tin to the sifter.

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  2. Bamboo whisk

    A bamboo whisk (chasen) makes matcha smooth and clump-free before the milk.

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  3. Sifter

    Sifting first is the easiest way to a lump-free latte.

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  4. Bowl or cup

    A wide matcha bowl (chawan) for a quick M or Z whisk.

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  5. Frother

    Short on time? An electric frother works in seconds.

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Method 1 · Traditional

Hot matcha latte

The classic matcha green tea latte. Whisk matcha with hot (not boiling) water to a smooth concentrate, then top with milk.

You'll need

  • 1 tsp (2g) matcha
  • 2 oz hot water, 165–180°F
  • 6–8 oz milk of your choice
  • Bamboo whisk and bowl, or a frother

Steps

  1. Sift the matcha into your bowl or mug.
  2. Add 2 oz of hot water. Let freshly boiled water rest for about two minutes first so it doesn’t scorch the matcha.
  3. Whisk briskly in a quick “M” or “Z” motion for 15–20 seconds until smooth and lightly frothy.
  4. Steam or warm the milk and froth it if you like.
  5. Pour the milk over the matcha, or pour the matcha into the milk for a layered look.

Tip: Keep the water at 165–180°F, hot but not boiling, or matcha turns bitter. No thermometer? Pour once the kettle just starts to steam.

Method 2 · Iced

Iced matcha latte

Bright, refreshing and quick. Whisk matcha with room-temperature water first so it blends evenly into cold milk.

You'll need

  • 1 tsp (2g) matcha
  • 2 oz room-temperature water
  • 6 oz cold milk
  • A glass full of ice

Steps

  1. Sift the matcha into a bowl or shaker.
  2. Add 2 oz of room-temperature water and whisk (or shake hard in a sealed jar) until smooth with no clumps.
  3. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold milk.
  4. Slowly pour the matcha over the milk and stir before you sip.

Tip: In a hurry? Matcha on the Go stick packs need no sifting. Just shake into cold water or milk until smooth.

Method 3 · Sweetened

How to sweeten a matcha latte

Good matcha is naturally a little sweet, but a touch of sweetener makes a latte feel like a treat. The trick is adding it at the right moment so it dissolves fully.

You'll need

  • Your hot or iced latte from above
  • 1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, agave or simple syrup
  • Optional: a few drops of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon

Steps

  1. Make the matcha concentrate (matcha + 2 oz water).
  2. Stir the sweetener into the concentrate before adding milk. It dissolves evenly instead of sinking to the bottom.
  3. For iced lattes, use a liquid sweetener like maple or simple syrup, since granulated sugar won’t dissolve in cold milk.
  4. Top with milk, taste, and adjust. Start with less: you can always add more.

Tip: Want sweetness without adding sugar? Try our flavored matcha in vanilla, chocolate or mango.

Best matcha for lattes

Our top picks for lattes

These blends are bold enough to stand up to milk while still tasting like matcha. Each is just as good with water.

Shop latte matcha
  • Matcha.com Summer Reserve Japanese matcha green tea powder in reusable silver tin container with minimalist green label photographed on neutral gray studio background.
    Size
    (85)

    Summer Reserve Matcha

    From $29.00

    Boldest for milk

    Summer Reserve Matcha
  • Matcha.com First Harvest Japanese matcha green tea powder in silver ceremonial grade tin packaging with minimalist green label design.
    Size
    (286)

    First Harvest Matcha

    From $39.00

    Best for beginners

    First Harvest Matcha
  • Matcha.com Single Estate organic Japanese matcha green tea powder in silver tin container with minimalist green branding and USDA Organic label on gray studio background.
    Organic
    Size
    (337)

    Organic Single Estate Matcha

    From $29.00

    Organic · Single cultivar

    Organic Single Estate Matcha

Tools

Everything you need, in one kit

New to matcha? A starter kit pairs a tin of matcha with a bamboo whisk, scoop and bowl, so your first matcha latte is ready the day it arrives.

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Questions

Matcha latte FAQs

Why is my matcha latte clumpy?

Matcha is a very fine powder that clumps easily. Sift it first, and always whisk it with a small amount of water before adding milk.

Why does my matcha latte taste bitter?

Usually the water is too hot. Keep it between 165 and 180°F. Using too much matcha, or a lower-grade powder, can also make it bitter.

What is the best milk for a matcha latte?

Oat milk and whole milk froth the best and taste creamy. Almond and soy work well too. It comes down to your taste.

Can I make a matcha latte without a whisk?

Yes. Shake the matcha and water in a sealed jar, or use an electric frother. A bamboo whisk gives the smoothest result.

How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?

Matcha naturally contains caffeine, and the amount varies by grade and harvest. Each product page lists the caffeine measured in that product’s lab report. For an evening latte, try Organic Decaf Matcha, with most of its caffeine removed by a chemical-free process.