Matcha latte has long since earned its place alongside the classic cappuccino. If you've only ever treated yourself to one at a cafe, we want to show you how to quickly and easily prepare a matcha latte at home that will give any cafe a run for its money.
What is a Matcha Latte?
A matcha latte is essentially the green answer to a cappuccino: ceremonial grade matcha, whisked with water, combined with warm, gently frothed milk or a plant-based milk alternative. Instead of the roasted aromas of espresso, you get the mild, slightly sweet taste of matcha: creamy in texture, but with a much gentler caffeine kick.
The big difference from pure matcha: The milk makes the taste rounder and more accessible, especially for those new to the world of matcha. If you find pure matcha unfamiliar, a latte often makes for an easier first step.
Preparation and Equipment
You don't need much for a good matcha latte. But the correct order definitely makes all the difference.
What you need:
- Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- A sieve
- A bowl or mug with enough space
- A Chasen (bamboo whisk)
- Milk or plant-based drink of your choice
- A milk frother (optional, but recommended)
How to proceed:
Add 1–2 bamboo scoops of matcha through the sieve into the bowl to prevent lumps. Pour a little warm water (70–80 °C, not boiling water) over it.
Whisk in a zig-zag motion with the chasen until a fine foam forms. Heat and froth the milk separately.
Carefully add the frothed milk to the whisked matcha.
So, the matcha goes into the cup first, and the milk on top afterward. This preserves the beautiful marbling you see in cafe photos.
How do you make an Iced Matcha Latte?
Especially in summer, the cold version is indispensable.
The preparation differs only slightly:
Sieve the matcha as usual and whisk with a little warm water (70–80 °C). The water should still be warm here so that the powder dissolves completely and no lumps form.
Fill a glass generously with ice cubes. Add cold milk or plant-based drink. Slowly pour the whisked matcha over it. For the typical cafe look with green streaks, it's best to slowly pour the matcha over a spoon or ice cube into the glass. This way, it doesn't immediately mix completely with the milk.
Does Matcha Latte also work completely cold?
Short answer: Partially. Matcha can basically be whisked with cold water, which is called "cold whisking." However, the powder dissolves less easily than with warm water. The result is often less creamy, and lumps are more likely to remain, even with thorough sieving beforehand.
Our tip: Always whisk the matcha first with a little warm water (70–80 °C) and then combine it with cold milk, as described for the iced matcha latte above.
This gives you the best combination of fully dissolved powder and a refreshingly cold drink.
Conclusion
The matcha latte shows why matcha is now more than just a niche product: creamy, versatile, and a real alternative to the classic cappuccino. Hot in winter or ice-cold for warmer days. With a little practice in whisking and the right water temperature, it will turn out just as good at home as it does in our cafe.
If you're still looking for the perfect Ceremonial Grade Matcha for your next latte, you'll find it with us.