Hot Matcha Latte Recipes: Easy Matcha Latte at Home
When you visit a traditional Japanese tea house, a tea master dressed in a kimono prepares authentic matcha using a tea bowl and a tea whisk. There are manners and etiquette involved. It can all seem a bit too complex, formal, and difficult.
But, matcha doesn't necessarily have to be prepared that way. In fact, making matcha lattes is fun and easier than you may think. If you've been curious but have been putting off trying to make them, now's your chance! Keep reading, and you'll be a master of matcha lattes in no time!
What is a Matcha Latte?
You may already know this, but let’s briefly explain what a matcha latte is.
A matcha latte is a drink made by combining matcha powder with warmed milk, creating a perfect balance between the natural sweetness of matcha and the rich creaminess of milk.
Matcha lattes are popular at cafes, where their chic appearance often draws attention, though the price can be somewhat high. So here, we’ll show you a simple way to make matcha lattes at home. Not only will you save money by making them yourself, but you can also customize the sweetness, richness, and toppings to suit your taste.
Today, we’ll introduce how to make a hot matcha latte, perfect for the colder seasons.
Ingredients Needed for Making a Hot Matcha Latte
Let’s go over the ingredients needed for a hot matcha latte. While matcha lattes can be enjoyed with a variety of creative touches, we’ll start with a basic recipe using these core ingredients.
Matcha powder: 0.07 ounces (2g)
Selecting high-quality matcha will enhance the depth and richness of the flavor.
Milk: 140ml
Hot water: 60ml
Used to dissolve the matcha. The water should be heated to 80°C.
Tools Needed for Making a Hot Matcha Latte
Next, let’s go over the tools that will make it easier to create your matcha latte.
Tea bowl
Used to blend the matcha. If you don’t have a tea bowl, a substitute container will work as well.
Tea whisk (chasen)
A tool for blending the matcha smoothly.
Milk frother
Helps create frothy milk, perfect for enjoying a light, foamy matcha latte.
Cup
If you’re particular about presentation, a heat-resistant clear glass cup works well for a beautiful look.
How to Make a Hot Matcha Latte
1. Prepare the Matcha
Place the matcha powder in a tea bowl and add 10ml of hot water heated to 80°C. Use a tea whisk to blend thoroughly, eliminating any lumps. Then, add the remaining 50ml of hot water and continue mixing until the surface becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare the Milk
Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove to about 60–70°C, taking care not to let it boil. Using a milk frother at this stage creates a light, frothy texture for an enjoyable matcha latte.
3. Combine the Matcha and Milk
Slowly pour the warmed milk into the prepared matcha. Your hot matcha latte is now ready to enjoy!
Matcha Latte Variations
Matcha lattes are delightful with this simple recipe, but a few tweaks can turn them into a drink that perfectly suits your preferences. Here are some ideas for enhancing your hot matcha latte.
Use Alternative Milks
Instead of cow’s milk, try plant-based options like oat or almond milk. If matcha’s flavor feels too strong, coconut milk provides a gentler taste, making it easier to enjoy.
Sweeten to Taste
Enjoy the natural bitterness of matcha with a bit of sweetener for a more approachable flavor. Try honey, maple syrup, or sugar to adjust the sweetness as you like.
Add Visual and Flavor Accents
Sprinkling a bit of matcha powder or cinnamon on top can elevate both the look and flavor.
Adjust the Matcha and Milk Ratios
If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder to about 4g. Adjusting the amount of water used to blend the matcha or adding a bit more milk can also create a creamier latte that’s suited to your taste. Find your own perfect balance for a unique hot matcha latte!
Types of Matcha for Matcha Lattes
When making a matcha latte, choosing the right type of matcha is essential, as it greatly impacts the flavor.
Matcha quality and taste vary by product, but the best matcha for lattes is generally either "Ceremonial Grade Matcha" or "Daily Grade Matcha."
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
This is the highest quality matcha, offering a rich and nuanced flavor. Using ceremonial-grade matcha will give your latte a luxurious taste. However, due to its high quality, it can be a bit pricier, so it’s great for special occasions.
Daily Grade Matcha
Slightly lower in quality compared to ceremonial grade, daily grade matcha provides a balanced flavor that pairs well with milk, making it perfect for regular enjoyment. It’s also more affordable, making it a great choice for those who want to make matcha lattes more often.
Health Benefits of Matcha Lattes
Is Matcha Latte a Healthy Drink?
Matcha, known as a nutrient-rich “superfood,” contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like catechins that are believed to support health.
Because matcha is made from powdered whole tea leaves, you can take in all of the leaf’s nutrients. Drinking matcha lattes allows you to benefit fully from matcha’s nutrition.
Calories in a Matcha Latte
For those who are conscious of calories, a typical matcha latte has around 140kcal per cup. This isn’t particularly low-calorie, as most of the calories come from milk and sweeteners.
Since matcha itself is nearly calorie-free, substituting milk with unsweetened plant-based milk or using low-calorie sweeteners can help reduce the calories without sacrificing flavor.
https://matchadirect.kyoto/blogs/matcha-101/how-many-calories-are-in-matcha
Enjoy a Luxurious Matcha Latte with MATCHA DIRECT
We’ve now covered how to make hot matcha lattes, along with some recipe variations.
The quality of matcha you use is crucial for the best matcha latte experience. High-quality matcha brings out a richer flavor and aroma.
For those wanting a premium matcha latte at home, try our "Ceremonial Grade Matcha - Refreshing & Balanced" from MATCHA DIRECT. This matcha offers a refreshing yet deep flavor that pairs perfectly with milk.
Although it’s classified as ceremonial-grade matcha, MATCHA DIRECT offers it at an affordable price by selling directly without middlemen.
Wouldn’t you like to enjoy a touch of luxury with MATCHA DIRECT’s high-quality matcha?
https://matchadirect.kyoto/products/003-ceremonial-matcha-refreshing-balanced-60g
https://matchadirect.kyoto/products/022-ceremonial-matcha-rich-balanced-60g