Matcha latte, with its vibrant green hue and rich flavor, has gained popularity as a beloved beverage among health enthusiasts and coffee aficionados alike. This Japanese-inspired drink offers a harmonious balance of earthy matcha flavor and creamy milk. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about matcha latte, the matcha whisk you need to make it better than some popular coffee shops, and the simple recipe so you can make this at home.
Updated on July 30, 2025
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I have a confession. I love making some insanely good coffee drinks, and other Asian drinks at home. Matcha latte included. Yet…I tend to stop at Starbucks and other fast coffee shops when I’m on the go. Especially when getting the kids around, I love a coffee in my cupholder at all times.
I usually order a matcha latte with EXTRA matcha if I happen to be at the coffee shop.
So lately, I have focused on making my own matcha lattes at home and it’s a game changer! It saves so much money! It also taste so much better. Matcha lattes at home are elevated to your taste, your sweetness…and guess what…there’s always extra matcha in mine now!
Understanding Matcha Latte
What is Matcha Latte?
- Matcha latte is a traditional Japanese beverage made from finely ground green tea powder (matcha) and steamed milk.
- Unlike regular green tea, matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are stone-ground into a fine powder, resulting in a vibrant green color and concentrated flavor.
Matcha Latte Taste
- Matcha latte offers a unique combination of sweet, vegetal, and slightly bitter flavors.
- The taste profile can vary depending on the quality of the matcha powder used, with higher grades offering a smoother and more delicate flavor profile.
Matcha Latte Calories
- A standard matcha latte made with unsweetened almond milk typically contains around 80-100 calories per serving. It will vary depending on milk used and sweeteners.
Tools Needed to Make Matcha Latte
The tools needed to make matcha latte are special because they are specifically designed to ensure the proper preparation and presentation. Each tool serves a distinct purpose to the overall experience of making and enjoying matcha latte.
Matcha Whisk (Chasen):
- A bamboo matcha whisk is essential for properly whisking and frothing the matcha powder. Without it, your matcha can be clumpy and unevenly mixed.
- The whisk features fine tines that help create a smooth and creamy texture. More about the matcha whisk below.
Matcha Bowl (Chawan):
- A traditional matcha bowl is used to prepare and serve matcha tea.
- The wide, shallow design allows for easy whisking and provides ample space for creating a frothy foam. The sides are slightly inward, or the bowl is narrow at the bottom to avoid matcha from spilling out.
Fine Mesh Sieve:
- A fine mesh sieve is used to sift the matcha powder, ensuring a smooth and lump-free consistency. This is how you get smooth and better-than-cafe style matcha. This just might be as good as going to a very nice matcha tea house.
Milk Frother or Steamer:
- A milk frother or steamer is used to heat and froth the milk for the latte.
- Electric frothers or steamers offer convenience and produce consistent results.
What is a Matcha Whisk?
A matcha whisk, also known as a chasen in Japanese, is a specialized utensil used in the traditional preparation of matcha. It is an integral tool for creating a smooth and frothy matcha beverage, such as a matcha latte, and plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at the matcha whisk:
- Purpose: The primary function of a matcha whisk is to aerate and blend the matcha powder with a small amount of hot water, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture that forms a frothy layer when combined with milk or water.
- Design: Features numerous fine tines crafted from a single piece of bamboo, typically between 80 to 100 prongs in total, that are intricately bundled together to form a delicate yet resilient whisk head.
- Material: Traditional matcha whisks are made from bamboo, a durable and flexible material that is well-suited for the intricate whisking motion required to achieve the desired matcha consistency.
Types of Matcha Whisks
- There are different types of matcha whisks available, categorized based on the number of tines and the style of construction, with each type serving a specific purpose. The most common types include:
- Usucha Chasen: This whisk has a higher number of tines, usually 80-100, and is designed for preparing thin, frothy matcha typically enjoyed in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Koicha Chasen: With fewer tines, typically 20-40, this whisk is used for preparing a thicker, more concentrated matcha paste suitable for koicha, a type of matcha served in the tea ceremony.
How to Use a Matcha Whisk
- To use a matcha whisk, begin by pre-wetting the whisk to soften the bamboo tines. Then, whisk the matcha and hot water in a zigzag or “W” motion until the mixture becomes frothy and well blended. The whisking technique is crucial in achieving the desired texture and consistency.
- Cleaning a Matcha Whisk: After each use, gently rinse the matcha whisk under running water, ensuring that all residual matcha is removed from the tines. It is important to avoid twisting or bending the delicate tines during cleaning. Once rinsed, allow the whisk to air dry with the tines facing downward to maintain its shape and integrity.
Best Matcha Whisk and Where to Buy
When selecting a matcha whisk, it is recommended to choose a high-quality chasen made from bamboo, as it offers durability and performs exceptionally well in creating frothy matcha beverages.
The best place to buy a matcha whisk is from reputable tea shops, specialty kitchenware stores, or online retailers that specialize in Japanese tea and accessories.
Additionally, a ceremonial-grade matcha whisk set, which includes a matcha bowl (chawan) and a bamboo scoop (chashaku), can often be found at these sources, providing a complete set for preparing and enjoying matcha at home with authenticity and precision.
Mastering the art of using a matcha whisk is an essential aspect of appreciating the ritual and craft of matcha preparation, ensuring that each cup of matcha latte or traditional tea reflects the centuries-old tradition and artistry of Japanese tea culture.
Ingredients
- High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- Milk of choice (e.g., cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk)
- Sweetener (optional, such as honey or maple syrup)
- Hot water (not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C)
Equipment
The matcha whisk set will elevate your whole matcha latte experience. The results are smooth, delicious, and represent matcha as it should be.
- Matcha whisk (chasen)
- Matcha bowl (chawan)
- Fine mesh sieve
- Milk frother or steamer – for hot lattes
- Measuring spoon or scoop
Instructions for Making Matcha Latte
Prepare Matcha
- Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the matcha bowl to remove any lumps.
- Add a small amount of hot water (about 2 ounces) to the matcha powder.
- Whisk the matcha and water vigorously in a small, zigzag motion until smooth and frothy.
Heat and Froth Milk
- Heat the milk in a saucepan or use a milk frother/steamer until hot but not boiling.
- Froth the milk until it reaches your desired level of foaminess.
- For iced matcha lattes, you can use cold milk, or half cold/half frothed for topping.
Combine Matcha and Milk
- Pour some of the frothed milk into the matcha bowl over the prepared matcha.
- Use the whisk to gently incorporate the milk and matcha until well combined.
- Pour the matcha mix into your serving mug or glass, and top with more of the remaining milk to make a beautiful layer.
Sweeten (Optional)
- Add sweetener to taste, if desired, and stir until dissolved.
Add-ins and Variations
- Vanilla Matcha Latte: Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Iced Matcha Latte: Pour the prepared matcha latte over ice for a refreshing summer beverage.
- Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk: Substitute regular milk with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
- Matcha Latte with Matcha Foam: Top the latte with a layer of frothed matcha-infused milk for an extra boost of flavor and presentation.
- Include Texture: Add jellies, matcha jelly, boba balls, nata de coco, or layer different fruit mixes for exciting matcha latte vibes.
Notes
- Experiment with different milk alternatives and sweeteners to customize the flavor of your matcha latte.
- Adjust the matcha-to-water ratio to suit your taste preferences, keeping in mind that higher concentrations of matcha will result in a stronger flavor.
- Use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder for the best flavor and texture in your latte.
- Make extra matcha mixture and save in a glass container for the next day. Do not save for more than the next day.
Mastering the art of making matcha latte is a delightful journey that combines tradition, precision, and creativity.
With the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, you can craft a perfectly balanced and delicious cup of matcha latte that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your soul.
Whether enjoyed as a morning ritual or an afternoon pick-me-up, matcha latte offers a rejuvenating and flavorful experience that celebrates the timeless allure of Japanese tea culture.
MATCHA OVERNIGHT OATS Recipe: Creamy, Healthy, Yummy
The Best MATCHA Latte (hot or iced)
Equipment
- 1 Matcha whisk (chasen)
- 1 Matcha bowl (chawan)
- 1 Fine mesh sieve
- 1 Milk frother or steamer – for hot lattes
- 1 Measuring spoon or scoop
Ingredients
- 3 tsp High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2 cups Milk of choice e.g., cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk
- Sweetener optional, such as honey or maple syrup
- Hot water not boiling, around 175°F or 80°C
Instructions
Prepare Matcha
- Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the matcha bowl to remove any lumps.3 tsp High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- Add a small amount of hot water (about 2 ounces) to the matcha powder.Hot water
- Whisk the matcha and water vigorously in a small, zigzag motion until smooth and frothy.
Heat and Froth Milk
- Heat the milk in a saucepan or use a milk frother/steamer until hot but not boiling.2 cups Milk of choice
- Froth the milk until it reaches your desired level of foaminess.
- For iced matcha lattes, you can use cold milk, or half cold/half frothed for topping.
Combine Matcha and Milk
- Pour some of the frothed milk into the matcha bowl over the prepared matcha.
- Use the whisk to gently incorporate the milk and matcha until well combined.
- Pour the matcha mix into your serving mug or glass, and top with more of the remaining milk to make a beautiful layer.
Sweeten (Optional)
- Add sweetener to taste, if desired, and stir until dissolved.Sweetener
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