This guide is not meant to be a strict recipe.
Instead, it offers a framework—one that helps you understand how matcha lattes work, so you can adjust and refine them to suit your own taste.
While we do share finished recipes, the goal here is to give you enough understanding to experiment with confidence. Once you grasp the basics, small changes in ratio or ingredients can lead to very different results.
The Basic Formula for a Matcha Latte
At its core, every matcha latte consists of three elements:
matcha, milk, and a sweetener.
After extensive testing, we’ve found the following ratio to be a reliable starting point:
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1.5 tsp matcha
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1 oz (30 ml) water
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6 oz (170 ml) milk
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1 tsp sweetener
This is the base formula we use for our Classic Matcha Latte. From here, you can adjust the type of milk, sweetness level, or matcha intensity to match your preference.
If you’re unsure where to begin, exploring other variations can save you time—we’ve already tested many combinations so you don’t have to start from scratch.
How to Mix Matcha with Water
This step is often underestimated, yet it has a major impact on texture and flavor.
Our preferred method is to first create a concentrated matcha base by mixing the powder with water. This can be done directly in your cup or separately before combining it with milk.
The goal is simple: break up all clumps and achieve a smooth, even mixture.
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A bamboo whisk works best
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A handheld milk frother is a good alternative
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Forks and spoons tend to create uneven results
If you’re making a layered latte, add sweetener to the milk first. Sweetened milk is slightly heavier, which helps keep the matcha layer visually distinct when poured.
For taller glasses, a slim bamboo whisk with a longer handle can make mixing easier and more effective.
Choosing the Right Milk
We’ve tested a wide range of milks, including:
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Whole milk
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Oat milk
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Almond milk
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Soy milk
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Coconut milk
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Rice milk
All can work well, but it’s important to consider natural sweetness. Oat and rice milk, for example, are naturally sweet and may already contain added sugars.
If your milk is sweet on its own, reduce the amount of added sweetener to avoid overpowering the matcha.
Sweeteners: What Works Best?
Our preference is light sweetness, allowing matcha’s natural flavor to remain present.
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Powdered brown sugar or simple syrup made from it offers gentle caramel notes
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Honey and maple syrup are popular and easy to use
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Stevia and monk fruit can work, though some brands leave an aftertaste
For iced matcha lattes, liquid sweeteners are usually easier to dissolve. If you often make iced drinks, preparing a simple syrup in advance can be helpful.
It is also entirely possible to enjoy a matcha latte without added sweetener—especially if the milk is steamed, which naturally enhances sweetness. Personally, we prefer just a touch of sweetness rather than none at all.
Making an Iced Matcha Latte
The process is similar to a hot latte, but two points matter more:
First, not all sweeteners dissolve well in cold liquids. Liquid sweeteners are generally the safest choice.
Second, matcha quality becomes more noticeable. Heated milk naturally tastes sweeter, which helps balance bitterness. In iced lattes, that sweetness is absent—so using a better-quality matcha reduces the need for extra sugar.
Choosing higher-quality matcha upfront often results in a cleaner, more balanced iced latte.
What Type of Matcha Is Best for Lattes?
For most people, an entry-level ceremonial-grade matcha is ideal for lattes. These typically fall in the $18–$25 per ounce range and offer good balance without excessive bitterness.
Using very high-end matcha in lattes is possible, but much of its nuance will be lost once milk and sweetener are added—making it less cost-effective.
Avoid matcha intended strictly for culinary use if you plan to drink it as a latte. These are often more bitter and may require extra sugar to compensate.
Are Matcha Lattes Healthy? Will They Keep Me Awake?
A matcha latte can be a healthy option, depending on how it’s made.
Matcha itself is very low in calories, but milk and sweeteners contribute most of the energy content. Be mindful of:
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Sugar quantity
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Milk fat content
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Sweetened alternative milks
As a rough guide, drinks with large amounts of sugar can quickly shift from nourishing to indulgent.
In terms of energy, matcha contains caffeine—roughly 70 mg per teaspoon, though this varies by matcha. Combined with L-theanine, matcha’s caffeine tends to feel steadier and longer-lasting than coffee, often providing alertness for several hours without a sharp crash.
Our Matcha Latte Recipes
We continue experimenting with matcha latte variations and share those that truly stand out.
If you have ideas or a recipe you love, we welcome collaboration.
Guest contributions are always credited, and we’re happy to share thoughtful creations with our community.
