With just 4 simple ingredients, you can transport yourself to a state of Zen with this creamy matcha almond milk latte. The milk is frothy, the matcha is rich, and just a little sweetener creates the perfect morning drink to start your day off right.
I am not a coffee girl, but I am obsessed with matcha. It helps me wake up in the morning without feeling nervous or jittery, which is how coffee makes me feel.
When it comes to the milk, if you don't have almond milk, you can swap it out with regular milk, homemade oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk. I just wouldn't use coconut milk, since that will make your matcha latte taste wayyy different.
Now listen, I know that matcha is one of those love-it-or-hate-it flavors. Some people say it tastes like grass. And while I do agree that matcha has an earthy flavor, I think it's so rich and delicious! Plus just a little honey and milk creates the best sweet, creamy latte.
If you share my love of matcha, don't miss out on also making sourdough matcha swirl bread and matcha mochi donuts!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a fine powder made from a type of green tea in Japan. It's naturally a vibrant green color.
And check this out - one serving of matcha (one teaspoon) contains around 30-40 mg of caffeine, while one serving of coffee (8 ounces) contains anywhere from 70 to 140 mg of caffeine.
Ingredients
- Culinary grade matcha - you can also use ceremonial grade matcha, which is a higher quality, but this is usually saved for drinking matcha on its own.
- Water - allow your boiling water to cool for a few minutes, to avoid the matcha tasting bitter
- Almond milk - you can use store bought or homemade almond milk
- Honey or agave syrup - adding sweetener is optional; you can add more or less depending on your preference
Let's Make a Matcha Almond Milk Latte
For the full step-by-step instructions and ingredient measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
1. Add the matcha powder to a small bowl with a flat bottom.
3. Gently whisk the matcha until it’s smooth and a creamy froth begins to form.
2. Pour boiled, slightly cooled water over the matcha powder.
4. Add the warm, frothed milk and honey and stir to combine.
Tips to Get the Best Flavor from Matcha
- Use Quality: The quality of your matcha will affect the taste. Some matcha powder varieties can have a bitter taste, depending on their quality.
- Smooth Texture: Whisking the matcha helps remove any clumps of powder, so it's smooth. If you get a clump of matcha in your mouth, it can taste pretty bitter, so don't skip this step!
- Sifted: For an extra smooth matcha latte, sift your matcha powder into the bowl before adding hot water.
- Perfect Water Temp: Don't add boiling water straight to your matcha, which could cause it to taste bitter. The best water temperature is around 175°F to 180°F, so let your boiled water sit for a minute or two to cool before adding it to your matcha.
It's All About the Ratio
Getting the ratio of matcha to water to milk is important to avoid a weak, watery matcha latte or one that's far too strong.
I recommend one teaspoon of matcha powder to a half cup of hot (not boiling) water to a half cup of warm milk. This creates a flavorful, creamy, smooth matcha almond milk latte.
You can add more milk for a creamier latte, or add more water for a lighter, milder latte.
How do you make an iced almond milk matcha latte?
Use the same recipe, but instead of adding warm frothed milk, add cold milk and ice cubes to the matcha. And mix in your sweetener before adding the milk.
Matcha Almond Milk Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon culinary grade matcha
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional; add more or less depending on your preference)
Instructions
- Add the matcha powder to a small bowl with a flat bottom.
- Boil water and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. (Adding boiling water to matcha can make it taste bitter, the perfect temperature is around 175°F to 180°F.)Pour the water over the matcha powder in the small bowl.
- Use a matcha whisk, mini whisk, or a milk frother to gently whisk the matcha until it’s smooth and a creamy froth begins to form, after a minute. Hold the whisk or frother vertically to the bowl and whisk gently in an “M”, “W” or circular “O” shape.
- Carefully pour the matcha into a mug or heat-resistant cup (you may need to use a towel or oven mitts if your bowl is hot.)
- Microwave the almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl or cup for 30 seconds to warm it. Either pour the almond milk into the mug of matcha, or froth the almond milk. You can froth it with an electric frother, or in a jar with a lid. To froth milk in a jar, pour the milk into a jar like a glass mason jar, and secure on the lid. Shake it for a minute, until the milk is frothy.Add the warm frothed milk to the matcha.
- Add the honey or agave syrup and mix it into the hot matcha ,if desired. Enjoy!!
Notes
- Making your own matcha almond milk latte at home means you can change the ratio of milk to water. Add more milk for a richer/creamier latte. Or add more water for a lighter/milder latte.
- Add more or less sweetener, depending on your preference. The sweetener is optional, since the matcha doesn't turn bitter in this recipe.
- Whisking the matcha helps remove any clumps of powder, so it's smooth. If you get a clump of matcha in your mouth, it can taste pretty bitter, so don't skip this step!
- For an extra smooth matcha latte, sift your matcha powder into the bowl before adding hot water.
- Don't add boiling water straight to your matcha, which could cause it to taste bitter. The best water temperature is around 175°F to 180°F, so let your boiled water sit for a minute or two to cool before adding it to your matcha.
I'm eggcited to hear from you :)