There’s something about a Matcha Latte that feels so luxurious. It might be the delicate flavour or the fact that it’s a bit more complicated to make than your average cup of coffee. But whatever the reason, this drink is perfect for special occasions or when you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
It’s no secret that matcha is having a moment. The vibrant green tea has been popping up everywhere, from lattes to doughnuts, and for a good reason. Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, boosts metabolism and energy, and has anti-inflammatory properties. But if you’re new to the world of matcha, the thought of making your matcha latte at home can be daunting. Read on to learn how to make good matcha latte and five matcha latte variations so you can enjoy all the benefits of matcha without having to leave your house.
What is matcha? Why is it so popular right now?
Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from grounded tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is a popular beverage in Japan and has recently become trendy in the western world as well. Matcha is known for its many health benefits, including its high concentration of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against various diseases.
Additionally, matcha contains caffeine, which can give you a boost of energy without the side effects of jitteriness or anxiety that can come with other caffeinated beverages. Matcha is also said to boost metabolism and help burn calories. For these reasons, matcha has become a popular choice for those looking to improve their health or lose weight.
There are many ways to enjoy matcha. It can be enjoyed as a traditional tea or used in recipes for cakes, cookies, ice cream, and more. You can even find matcha-flavoured lattes and other types of coffee drinks at many cafes. Even Starbucks has added matcha on their menu.
How to Make Good Matcha Latte?
Making a matcha latte is an easy way to enjoy the health benefits of this powdered green tea. But like with any other drink, there are many ways to make it, and each person has their preference. So how do you make a good matcha latte? Here is a traditional recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk (dairy, soy, almond, etc.)
- sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl.
- Pour hot water into the bowl and whisk with a chasen until the powder is dissolved.
- Warm up the milk and sugar (optional) in a saucepan (do not boil).
- Froth the milk up with a frother
- Add milk into the bowl.
- Dust some matcha powder on top
- Relax and enjoy this decadent cup of Matcha Latte any time of day!
Extra tips to make the perfect cup of matcha latte
To make the perfect cup of matcha latte, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Good Quality Matcha Powder
It is vital to use good quality matcha powder. This can be tricky because there are many different grades of matcha powder on the market. It is worth it to invest in a good quality powder because it will make a big difference in the taste of your latte.
Sift and whisk the Matcha Powder
Be sure to sift the powder first, as it can be clumpy. This will help to make a smooth and frothy latte. Then whisk the powder and hot water until it is completely dissolved. If there are lumps in the mixture, it will not froth up as well. The chasen is the traditional whisk used to make matcha. It is specifically designed to help make a smooth and frothy beverage.
Water temperature
You’ll want to use hot water, but not boiling water, as it can make the matcha powder bitter and ruin the flavour of your latte.
Milk of choice
You can use any milk that you like in your latte. Dairy, soy, almond, oat, and even coconut milk are all great options. If you are watching your calorie intake, you can also use non-dairy milk such as almond or cashew. For a traditional latte, dairy milk is used.
Froth that milk
Frothing the milk can alter your latte. If you want a lighter and more delicate flavour, don’t froth the milk. If you like a rich and creamier latte, then froth it longer.
To get that nice foamy texture, it is essential to froth the milk before adding it to the matcha mixture.
Find the perfect balance of matcha and milk
Some like a lot of matcha flavour in their latte, while others prefer a milder taste. Find the ratio you like the best and stick with it. If you want to sweeten your latte, add sugar to taste.
Matcha powder is naturally sweet, so you may not need to add any sugar at all. If you do want to add a little sweetness, start with 1 teaspoon and see how it tastes. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away.
Now that you know the steps and tips to make a good matcha latte, it’s time to get creative and experiment with different flavours.
5 Matcha Latte Variations
Creamy Cocoa Matcha Latte
Did you know that chocolate and matcha have lately become a hot trend? This latte is for all you chocolate lovers out there. A little bit of honey, additional cocoa powder, and vanilla extract can turn your ordinary matcha latte into a delectable and creamy cocoa beverage.
The following are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this wonderful drink:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1½ teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or ¼ teaspoon of vanilla bean powder)
- 1 tablespoon hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk (dairy, soy, almond, etc.)
- honey (optional)
Iced matcha latte with pearls
With bubble tea becoming more popular, there’s no better way to incorporate it into an ice matcha latte. This delightful drink is ideal for hot summer days or after a workout. You can find tapioca pearls or even brown sugar pearls at most Asian markets or online. Or, if you are adventurous, you can also make your pearls from scratch. You can alter the taste and texture according to your preferences.
To create an iced matcha latte, you use the same ingredients and method as a regular latte, except you incorporate cold milk and add additional ice. You start off dissolving the matcha powder with hot but not boiling water and whisk until smooth and no clumps. Whisk in cold milk until smooth and creamy before adding ice and pearls.
Matcha Frappuccino
The matcha frappuccino is a drink for all matcha and coffee lovers. Although it may not be the most traditional way to consume matcha, it’s still a delicious way to enjoy this fantastic powder. The matcha frappuccino is a delightful summer drink that is both sweet and refreshing. As a bonus, you can quickly whip up this delicious treat at home by combining all the ingredients in a blender.
All you need is premium matcha powder, milk, sweetener, vanilla extract and ice cubes. Additionally, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra decadence.
Matcha chai latte
The matcha chai latte is an excellent drink for those who like the flavour of chai but want to try something new. The combination of matcha and chai spices creates a warm and earthy taste that is perfect for chilly mornings or evenings. All you need is your favourite chai tea bag, milk, sweetener and matcha powder. Brew the chai tea as usual and add in the matcha powder once it’s done. Add milk and sweetener to taste before enjoying.
Espresso Matcha Latte fusion
Espresso matcha latte fusion is a delightful drink for those who want an energy boost. The caffeine from the espresso combined with the L-theanine in matcha creates smooth and clean energy that lasts longer than coffee alone. This latte is perfect for early mornings or afternoons when you need an extra pick-me-up.
To make this latte, you’ll need matcha powder, espresso and milk. You can use any milk you like, but for a creamier latte, whole milk is recommended. To create the lovely layered effect, dissolve and whisk the matcha in hot water first. Pour the liquid into a glass and add the milk on top before adding the ice cubes. Finally, top off the drink with an espresso created using hot water. This will result in a multilayer look to the finished glass.
Wrap up
Now that you know how to make a perfect matcha latte, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Either start with the traditional drink or spice it up and pick your favourite flavour. Or get creative and come up with one of your own or one of the matcha latte variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours, add fun toppings or try unique combinations of spices and milk until you find the perfect mix for you.
No matter what you choose, the key is to use high-quality matcha powder and ensure that you whisk it well until there are no clumps. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cup of matcha latte any time of day and enjoy the health benefits at the same time.
Try adding a little vanilla extract or almond extract for a different twist. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavour. Mix things up and enjoy!
FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder made from whole, ground-up tea leaves from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. It originated in China but became popular in Japan during the 12th century when Buddhist monks started consuming it to stay awake during long hours of meditation. Matcha eventually made its way to the West, becoming a popular beverage choice in recent years.
