Matcha Latte

One of the most popular modern incarnations of matcha is the matcha latte—a creamy and indulgent beverage that marries the boldness of matcha with the smoothness of steamed milk.

The matcha latte emerged as a trendy beverage in cafes and coffee shops around the world several years ago, offering a healthier alternative to traditional espresso-based drinks. Made by whisking high-quality matcha powder with hot water and frothy milk, it is a testament to the versatility of matcha as a culinary ingredient.

Beyond its delicious taste, the matcha latte boasts a wealth of health benefits, thanks to the potent antioxidants and nutrients found in matcha. Matcha is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and mental clarity, making the matcha latte an ideal beverage for enhancing focus and reducing stress.

As if all that wasn’t enough, it is also a comforting hug-in-a-mug, although I must admit that it does take a teensy bit longer to prepare than your regular cup of black tea. If you don’t have a traditional bamboo whisk to whisk the water and matcha powder together, then a regular small wire whisk will suffice. You can also froth the milk with the whisk – or a handheld electric milk frother.

Matcha Latte

Recipe by Julia

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tsp high-quality matcha powder

• 2oz (60ml) hot water

• 8oz (240ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

• Sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, maple syrup, agave syrup) – optional

Directions

• Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Be cautious not to let it boil, as overheating can alter the taste and texture of the milk. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother or microwave to heat the milk until it’s warm but not scalding.
• While the milk is heating, sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps and ensure a smooth consistency. Then, add the hot water to the matcha powder. Use a bamboo whisk or a spoon to vigorously whisk the matcha and water together until the mixture becomes frothy and the matcha powder is fully dissolved.
• Once the milk is heated to your desired temperature and the matcha is well whisked, pour the matcha mixture into a cup. Slowly add the hot milk to the matcha while stirring gently to combine the two liquids evenly. Adjust the ratio of matcha to milk according to your preference, balancing the intensity of the matcha with the creaminess of the milk.
• If desired, sweeten your matcha latte with your choice of sweetener. Stir in honey, agave syrup, or sugar until it reaches your preferred level of sweetness. Keep in mind that matcha has a slightly bitter flavor profile, so sweetening is optional and depends on personal preference.

Notes

• Although not very traditional, you can add optional toppings to your matcha latte, like whipped cream or a dusting of matcha powder.