How to Make the Perfect Matcha Latte
“A treat you’ll love a-latte!”
You may have noticed Matcha lattes popping up on menus in cafes and tea houses near you. Most tea drinkers are Matcha crazy these days, and our customers are no exception! With a high-quality Matcha tea, a little milk, and the sweetener of your choice, you can whisk yourself a cup of this delicious frothy beverage in your kitchen, for just a fraction of the price.
What is a Matcha Latte?
Like a typical latte consisting of milk added to espresso, a Matcha latte combines sweet, creamy Matcha tea with foamy steamed milk for a decadent caffeinated treat. Because Matcha is associated with the Japanese tea ceremony art of cha-no-yu, it may be surprising to some that this premium tea is often enjoyed with milk and sugar. That being said, the classic combination of tea and sweets enjoyed at afternoon tea in Great Britain is not an exclusively Western idea! Did you know that it is part of the Japanese tea ceremony to savor the taste of sugary sweets paired with the bittersweetness of Matcha tea?
Matcha Latte Recipe
Matcha’s unique texture and mouth feel are ideal for making the perfect latte. While most tea’s loose leaves are steeped in water to create an infusion, Matcha tea powder is combined with water through vigorous whisking to produce a lovely, extra-thick cup.
You will need:
- ½ tsp+ Japanese Matcha
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup+ of milk (of your choice, we used whole milk)
- 1 tsp+ of sweetener (of your choice, we used sugar)
- Japanese Matcha whisk (or handheld electric milk frother)
- Japanese Matcha scoop (optional)
- Tea kettle
- Bowl for frothing
- Tall glass for sipping
Steps:
- Heat your water to about 170 degrees F. We recommend using a tea thermometer when preparing Matcha tea. If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water come to a boil, then cool uncovered for 5-10 minutes.
- Measure about half a teaspoon (approximately 2-3 scoops) of Matcha tea, and tap into the bowl. We typically recommend using about 1 gram for 6oz of water but, in Japan, Matcha drinks like this one are made lighter or darker, based on preference. If you use more Matcha, it will be darker green, and more bitter than sweet. Feel free to customize the taste to your preference!
- Add the sugar on top of the Matcha tea powder. Combining them in warm water will help sweeten the drink and intensify the frothiness. (If you are using a syrupy sweetener like honey, add it after the next step.)
- Pour the water into the bowl and begin to whisk. If you are using a Matcha whisk, whisk gently in a figure-eight motion until the tea is foamy and the powder is well combined. If you are using a milk frother, turn the frother on and let it do its work!
- When your tea is ready, pour it into the glass. In this latte, tea is added first, then milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Heat your milk until warm, if desired, and then add it to the same bowl you whisked the Matcha in. Whisk until frothy.
- Add the milk on top and watch it swirl.
- Sip and enjoy!
We offer a wide selection of premium Japanese Matcha teas for you to enjoy. Our Matcha teas are packed in a small, matte silver tin.
This organic premium-grade Matcha produces a dark yellow-jade liquor with a rich umami flavor. A light toasty nuance adds a layer of complexity to the exceptional cup.
This organic Matcha offering produces a superlative, dark jade cup with a pronounced vegetal character and full mouth feel.
COMPETITION GRADE MATCHA ORGANIC
This organic competition-grade Matcha produces a bright jade-green liquor with a silky smooth mouth feel. The fresh, clean flavor is outstanding, with sweet vegetal notes.
COMPLETE COMPETITION-GRADE MATCHA GIFT SET
Perfect for the Matcha lover, this complete gift set includes a 30g tin of our Organic Competition Grade Matcha, an 8 oz. white Matcha bowl, a bamboo whisk and a bamboo Matcha scoop. Beautifully packaged in a white gift box.
JAPANESE MATCHA WHISK (75 STRANDS)
Made in Japan, this 75-strand bamboo whisk is ideal for the preparation of Matcha. 4" high, 2 1/2" diameter.
Made in Japan, this bamboo scoop is ideal for measuring Matcha. 7 1/2" long, 1/2" wide (scoop).
Happy tea drinking!