Are you looking for an easy matcha latte recipe that you can make at home? With this recipe, you’ll only need 5 minutes to satisfy your matcha latte cravings!

Coming from Japan, matcha has been a part of my life for a long time. I drank other types of green teas, like Sencha and genmaicha when I was younger, but it wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I started drinking matcha regularly. After spending way too much on my new matcha addiction at local cafes, imagine my relief when my mother showed me this easy matcha latte recipe that I could whip up at home using a higher quality matcha, no sugar, and with the traditional matcha bowls and a bamboo whisk, which really helps to aerate the matcha and bring out the flavor.

What is the difference between green tea and matcha?

You might think, wait, I thought green tea and matcha were the same things…well, yes and no. Technically, matcha is a type of green tea from a plant called Camellia sinensis, but they cultivate matcha differently, which gives matcha a unique taste, color, texture, and method of preparation.

They grow green tea in the sun, whereas matcha is shade-grown in the last three weeks before being harvested. Being in the shade in the last weeks before harvesting increases the chlorophyll levels in the matcha leaves, which is what gives the matcha a vibrant green color.

When harvesting, green tea is machine cut and steamed to stop fermentation while tea farmer’s hand harvests the matcha, choosing only greenest leaves. They then remove the tough stems and veins from the matcha leaves, then the leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder.

Taste-wise, green tea has a light, refreshing flavor, while matcha has a much richer, more intense, and slightly vegetal taste profile which is why many people prefer mixing their matcha with plant-based milk to make a latte-type beverage which mellows out the intense flavor.

Regardless of which taste you prefer, one thing we know for sure is that both green tea and matcha contain a ton of vitamins and antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols, which helps to reduce cell damage and prevent diseases such as colon cancer, heart disease, and reduces stress levels thanks to the L-theanine that matcha contains.

How do I make matcha latte at home?

If you want the authentic Japanese matcha-making experience, you can invest in the following tools that are essential in making a smooth, rich matcha:

A traditional Japanese bamboo matcha whisk, premium grade matcha, and a gorgeous matcha bowl for the senses.

If you prefer, Dr. Weil also sells a great matcha tea set which includes everything here.

Now that you have everything you need, follow these easy steps to have a delicious matcha latte in 5 minutes or less!

Matcha latte instructions

Bring water temperature to 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. I use the Cuisinart electric kettle, which has a 175 Fahrenheit setting for green tea.
Place the matcha sifter over your tea bowl and place one scoop (approx. 1 tsp matcha) into the sifter and gently press the matcha powder through to remove any clumps.
Remove the sifter and pour about 20 oz of the hot water into the bowl and whisk with your bamboo whisk in a zig-zag motion, not a circular motion. Make sure you don’t press the whisk’s tines against the tea bowl and raise the whisk slightly from the bottom. Whisk until frothy.
Froth your milk in the milk frother, I find Trader Joe’s unsweetened organic soy milk makes the creamiest foam.
Pour the warm milk and foam over the matcha, stir and enjoy!

You can also make an iced version by pouring the soy milk (which does not require heating) over ice, then pouring the matcha on top and giving it a good stir. The best way to get all the health benefits from matcha is to drink it unsweetened. If you need a little sweetener, use liquid stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or a little maple syrup.