The Golden Rule: Skip the Sugar!
Pro Tip: If you use ceremonial grade matcha, you do not need to add sugar, honey, or syrups. High-quality ceremonial matcha is naturally smooth, rich, and completely lacks the bitter, grassy taste of cheaper blends. Skipping the sweetener makes your latte much healthier and lets the true, delicious flavor of the matcha shine!
What You Need
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Matcha: 4 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of high-quality matcha.
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Water: 40ml (about 3 tablespoons) of hot water—aim for 80°C. (Do not use boiling water, or it will burn the tea).
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Milk: 180ml (about 6 oz) of your choice.
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Dairy: Whole milk gives the creamiest foam.
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Plant-based: Barista-grade oat, almond, or coconut milks work best. (Note: Dairy milk can slightly lower the antioxidant benefits of matcha, so go plant-based if you want the ultimate health boost!)
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Matcha Base
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Sift the matcha: Use a small strainer to sift your 4g of matcha into a dry, warm bowl. This stops lumps from forming.
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Whisk: Pour in the 40ml of hot water. Use a bamboo whisk to gently blend it until completely smooth. Try to avoid making it too frothy if you want to pour latte art later.
2. Heat and Froth Your Milk
Your goal is microfoam—milk that looks like wet, glossy paint with tiny, invisible bubbles. Never let your milk get hotter than 65°C, or it loses its natural sweetness.
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If using an espresso machine steam wand: Place the tip just under the surface to catch some air (you'll hear a paper-tearing sound) until the pitcher feels warm. Then, lower the wand deeper into the milk at an angle to create a whirlpool until it's hot.
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If using a French Press: Heat your milk in the microwave or stove first. Pour it into the press, pump the plunger up and down completely 2–3 times to create foam, then keep the plunger submerged and pump quickly to blend it into a velvety texture.
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If using a Handheld Frother: Heat your milk first. Hold the frother near the surface to grab air, then tilt the cup and submerge the wand to mix away any big bubbles.
3. Combine and Enjoy
Pour your smooth, velvety milk straight into your matcha base. Tap the cup gently on the counter to pop any remaining bubbles, and enjoy your healthy, cafe-quality drink!