Green Tea Latte

Raise your hand if you don’t like a Green Tea Latte. Every time I go to Starbucks, I order one. Yes, every time. I love everything about it. The flavour, of course, but also the colour. That soft, vibrant green colour always catches my eye.

If you’ve never tried one, a Green Tea Latte is made with matcha powder, a small amount of warm water to dissolve it, hot milk, and a spoonful of sugar. It is creamy and slightly sweet, with a gentle earthy flavour from the tea.

I was so happy when I realised how easy it is to make at home. It costs far less than buying it out, and you can control the sweetness and strength. You can prepare it with or without a frother, and it takes only a few minutes.

Being Italian, I love cappuccino, so I have an electric frother. Still, I am sharing instructions for making it with a simple manual frother as well. And just a small note about the name. Latte means “milk” in Italian and comes from “caffè e latte,” which means milk and coffee. So if you order a latte in Italy, you will be served a glass of milk, most likely cold.

If you enjoy matcha, you will love this drink. The slight bitterness of the tea and the sweetness of the milk create a balanced and comforting cup. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Reasons to Make a Matcha Green Tea Latte

• Creamy texture and light foam give you that café-style feel at home without leaving the kitchen.
• Minimal ingredient list keeps it approachable and easy to fit into everyday routines.
• Lighter feel than many milk-based drinks makes it comfortable to enjoy at any time of day.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Green Tea Latte

Matcha Powder

Matcha powder gives the drink its bright green colour and gentle earthy flavour. Choose a vibrant green, finely milled powder for better quality and smoother taste. Culinary-grade matcha works well for lattes, while ceremonial-grade matcha offers a more delicate flavour if preferred.

Milk

Gives the latte its creamy texture and soft foam. Full-fat milk produces a richer finish and thicker froth, while semi-skimmed keeps it lighter.

Sugar

Adds light sweetness that balances matcha’s natural bitterness. White sugar blends easily into warm drinks, though honey or maple syrup can be used for a slightly different sweetness.

Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make a Green Tea Latte

Using an Electric Frother

Step 2: Add the milk and sugar. Switch it on and let it heat and froth the mixture as you would when making a cappuccino.

Step 3: Slowly pour the green tea latte into a glass.

Step 4: Sprinkle a little green tea powder on top and serve hot.

No Frother Method

Step 1: Sift the matcha powder into a glass and dissolve it in one tablespoon of warm water until smooth.

Step 2: Heat the milk with the sugar, making sure it does not boil.

Step 3: Froth the milk using a manual frother or whisk until foamy.

Extra Help from the Kitchen

Use a Fine Mesh Sieve for Matcha – Press the matcha through a small sieve directly into the cup instead of tapping it in. This breaks up any clumps in the fine powder and helps you achieve a smoother texture without extra whisking.

Tap the Glass Before Pouring Milk – After whisking the matcha with water, gently tap the glass on the counter. This helps settle any tiny air bubbles before adding the milk.

Adjust Matcha to Milk Ratio for Cup Size – If using a larger mug, increase both matcha and milk proportionally rather than simply adding more milk, so the flavour stays balanced.

Choose a Wider Cup for Better Foam – A wider glass or mug allows the froth to spread evenly across the surface instead of piling up in the centre.

Use a Small Whisk for Smoother Matcha – A small balloon whisk blends the matcha paste more evenly than a spoon, especially when working with a small amount of warm water. A traditional bamboo whisk also works very well, as its fine bristles help smooth out the matcha quickly.

Variations and Twists

Iced Matcha Latte – Whisk the matcha with warm water as usual, then pour it over a glass filled with ice and add cold milk instead of heated milk. Give it a good stir before serving for a smooth, chilled drink.

Coconut Milk Matcha Latte – Swap the regular milk for coconut milk for a creamier sip with a light coconut flavour. Light coconut milk keeps it balanced, while full-fat gives a thicker, richer finish.

Strawberry Matcha Latte – Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of strawberry purée or syrup into the bottom of the glass before adding the milk. You’ll get a gentle sweetness and a soft pink layer that shows through the green when poured slowly.

Vanilla Honey Matcha Latte – Stir 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of vanilla extract into the matcha before adding the milk. Honey rounds out the tea’s slight bitterness, while vanilla brings a warmer note to the cup.

Dirty Matcha Latte – Pour a freshly brewed shot of espresso into the cup after combining the matcha and milk. It deepens the flavour and adds a light roasted character that works surprisingly well with matcha.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the Green Tea Latte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The foam will settle as it rests, and the texture will become less creamy, so stir well before reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat until warm but not boiling.

Freezing is not recommended, as milk can separate once thawed. Reheat only once for best quality.

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