Hot Matcha Latte

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Making a matcha latte at home saves you money and can be customized to your exact enjoyment!

About Matcha Powder

What exactly is matcha? It’s a fine green powder that is made by grinding down tea leaves.

When you drink matcha, you’re drinking the whole tea leaf instead unlike teas that you steep. Because of this, you receive more antioxidants, nutrients, and caffeine. Caffeine varies based on the brand anywhere from 40-180g.

How To Choose a Matcha Powder

Choosing the right matcha powder for your latte can be confusing because there’s many brands out there.

Matcha powder can come in two grades, ceremonial and culinary grades. Ceremonial is higher quality, which is also used for tea ceremonies and is better for drinking. Culinary grade is used to add to baked goods.

Prices can range between brands, so I suggest buying a ceremonial grade that fits your budget!

Quality matcha powder has a vibrant green color without any added ingredients. Some matcha powders will include sugar to make a fast matcha latte.

Matcha powder starts oxidizing once opened, so it’s best to use it within the month. This is why it’s better to buy it in small batches. Powder that has been sitting out on your shelf for a long time will turn dull in color and may taste stale as it loses it’s flavor.

I’ve bought matcha powder in a tin and in a resealable bag. Both options have worked for me since I store all my teas in a cool, dry place.

These are some brands I’ve tried that I enjoy!

• Jade Leaf Matcha: This brand offers ceremonial and culinary grade versions. It has a great vibrant color and the price point is affordable.
• Naoki: This Japanese brand is ceremonial grade and offers great quality matcha. I find it to be smooth, earthy but not too bitter.
• Ippodo: This is a smooth, rich matcha that creates creamy matcha lattes. It has a balanced taste and is recommended as a starter matcha for those looking to buy higher quality.

There are many brands that range in taste from sweeter, some bitter, some have more umami taste – the list is endless.

What Tools Do I Need?

These tools are helpful to create a smooth and creamy matcha latte.

Fine mesh strainer: Use a strainer to get rid of clumps for a smoother drink!

Bamboo whisk (chasen) or flat whisk: A bamboo whisk has fine tips that get rid of clumps and blends/aerates matcha powder and water. Or, use a flat whisk which is a perfect shape for whisking a small amount.

Whisk holder (chasen kusenaoshi): Storing the whisk on a holder will keep it’s shape for longer and dry better. This allows you to keep your whisk for a long time!

Matcha bowl (chawan): Perfectly shaped bowl to whisk your matcha powder and water together!

Handheld frother or whisk: To add frothiness to milk, either whisk or use a handheld frother.

Tips For Making A Great Matcha Latte

If you’d like to get the smoothest, creamy flavor for your matcha latte, here are some of my tips.

1. Sift your matcha powder. By sifting it, there are less clumps and less grittiness.
2. Use warm water. Hot water creates bitterness.
3. Whisk the matcha powder and water for no more than 20-30 seconds. The more you whisk it, the more bitter it will be.
4. Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) that has fine tips, creates evenly whisked matcha powder and a pleasant fragrance.
5. Use whole milk for a creamier latte or coconut milk.
6. Boil your milk over the stove, whisking to create froth.
7. Add your favorite sweetener.
8. Serve and enjoy right away.

What Sweeteners Can I Add?

There are many choices when it comes to making your latte sweet. If you don’t prefer a sweetened latte, feel free to omit it!

Add honey, homemade simple syrup, sugar, maple syrup, or any other sweetener you prefer.

Matcha Latte Variations

Matcha is a much loved drink. You’ll see all different ways to prepare it and other flavors to pair it with! Check out my iced peppermint matcha latte.

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