Easy Homemade Matcha Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced)
There are certain drinks that feel a little special every time you make them.
For me, a matcha latte is one of those small luxuries.
A few years ago, a friend introduced me to ordering a matcha latte at Starbucks. I had never really tried matcha before, but after that first sip, I was hooked. It was creamy, slightly earthy, gently sweet, and it gave me a calm kind of energy that coffee never quite did.
Now I make my own homemade version right in my kitchen!
This homemade matcha latte recipe is incredibly simple to make, takes just a few minutes, and can be enjoyed either hot or iced depending on the season. I tend to crave it most during the spring and summer months, especially as the days get warmer and I want something refreshing but still cozy.
The best part? You don’t need fancy coffee shop equipment. Just a few basic ingredients and a quick whisk.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike traditional tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf.
This is part of what makes matcha so unique. Because the whole leaf is used, matcha contains a higher concentration of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. Isn’t that great?!
Matcha has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and is now enjoyed around the world in drinks, desserts, and even baking.
Its flavor is often described as earthy, slightly grassy, and naturally creamy, especially when blended with milk.
Why I Love This Homemade Matcha Latte
There are a lot of reasons this drink has become a regular in my kitchen.
Energy Without the Jitters
If you are someone who loves the idea of a morning beverage but struggles with coffee jitters, matcha can be a wonderful alternative.
Matcha contains caffeine, but it also contains L-theanine, which helps promote a calm, focused energy instead of the sharp spike and crash that coffee sometimes causes. As someone who suffers from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), my baseline cortisol is very high especially in the morning. Matcha helps give me an energy boost without raising my cortisol levels.
For me personally, it feels much smoother and more balanced.
Loaded with Health Benefits
Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, which means you are consuming the whole leaf rather than just steeping it like traditional tea.
Because of that, it is packed with:
• Antioxidants
• Vitamins and minerals
• Natural plant compounds that support overall wellness
It is one of those simple drinks that feels both refreshing and nourishing at the same time.
Easy to Make at Home
Coffee shop matcha drinks can add up quickly, but making your own at home takes only a few minutes and costs a fraction of the price.
Once you try it, you may never go back.
Ingredients for a Homemade Matcha Latte
This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients.
1 ½ teaspoons matcha green tea powder
1–2 teaspoons honey
(or sugar, maple syrup, simple syrup, or your preferred sweetener)
2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup milk of choice
(dairy milk or non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or coconut)
Ice (for iced version)
How to Make a Homemade Matcha Latte
Making matcha at home is surprisingly easy.
Step 1: Make the Matcha Paste
In a small bowl, combine:
• Matcha powder
• Honey
Use a spoon or small whisk to mix them together until a thick paste forms.
This step helps prevent lumps later.
Step 2: Add Warm Water
Pour in 2 tablespoons of warm water.
Using a small whisk, handheld frother, or traditional bamboo matcha whisk, blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Pour 1 cup of milk into a glass.
I like to blend my drink briefly using the personal blender attachment on my Ninja blender. This helps fully combine the matcha mixture with the milk and makes the latte extra smooth.
You can also simply whisk or stir everything together.
Step 4: Serve
For an iced matcha latte, pour the mixture over a glass filled with ice.
How to Make a Hot Matcha Latte
If you prefer a cozy warm drink, making a hot matcha latte is just as easy.
Simply warm your milk before adding the matcha mixture.
You can do this by:
• Microwaving the milk for about 1–2 minutes
• Heating it gently on the stovetop in a saucepan
Just be careful not to scald the milk.
Once warmed, pour the milk into a mug and stir in your prepared matcha mixture.
Homemade Matcha Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1-2 tsp honey (or sweetener of choice)
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 cup milk of choice
- Ice (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the matcha powder and honey to create a paste.
- Add the warm water and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Pour the milk into a glass or blender.
- Add the matcha mixture and blend or whisk until combined.
- For an iced latte, pour over a glass filled with ice.
- For a hot latte, warm the milk before combining.
Tips for the Best Matcha Latte
Use Good Quality Matcha
The flavor of your latte will depend heavily on the matcha you choose. Look for bright green matcha powder, which typically indicates higher quality.
Mix the Matcha First
Always mix the matcha with warm water before adding milk. This prevents clumps and creates a smoother drink.
Adjust the Sweetness
Some people prefer a slightly sweeter matcha latte, while others like the earthy flavor to shine through. Start with one teaspoon of honey and adjust to taste.
Matcha Latte Variations to Try
One of the best things about making matcha lattes at home is that you can customize them endlessly.
Here are a few delicious variations.
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to your milk before blending.
This gives the drink a subtle dessert-like flavor.
Coconut Matcha Latte
Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for a creamy tropical twist.
Maple Matcha Latte
Swap the honey for maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
Blend a few fresh strawberries with the milk before adding the matcha mixture. It creates a beautiful layered drink.
Lavender Matcha Latte
Add a small splash of lavender syrup for a floral, calming flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a slightly earthy, grassy flavor with a natural sweetness. When combined with milk and a sweetener, it becomes creamy and smooth.
Is matcha healthier than coffee?
Both drinks have benefits, but matcha is known for its high antioxidant content and its ability to provide steady, calm energy without the sharp caffeine crash.
Can I make a matcha latte without a frother?
Yes. You can simply whisk the matcha with a spoon or small whisk. A traditional bamboo matcha whisk also works beautifully.
What milk works best for matcha lattes?
This really comes down to personal preference. Some popular choices include:
• Whole milk for creaminess
• Oat milk for a naturally sweet flavor
• Almond milk for a lighter option
• Coconut milk for richness
Can I make this sugar free?
Absolutely. You can omit the sweetener entirely or use a sugar-free alternative if preferred.
A Simple Drink That Feels Cozy
Sometimes it’s the smallest little routines that make a day feel special.
Something as simple as whisking a bit of matcha, warming some milk, and taking a few quiet minutes to enjoy a homemade drink can turn an ordinary morning into something peaceful and grounding. That’s one of the reasons I love this homemade matcha latte so much. It’s simple, nourishing, and feels like a small moment of care for yourself.
Whether you enjoy it iced on a warm spring afternoon or cozy and hot on a quiet morning, I hope this recipe becomes one of those little favorites in your kitchen too!
If you try this matcha latte, I’d truly love to hear what you think. Feel free to leave a comment below or share how you like to customize it.
XO,
Bri
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