Matcha Latte Mix: Your Guide to the Perfect Cup
Creamy, vibrant homemade Matcha Latte! Create a smooth matcha concentrate and perfectly frothed milk for a delicious, customizable drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of your choice (dairy, almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon (2–3 grams) culinary grade matcha powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, agave, sugar, stevia, etc.), adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hot water (not boiling)
- Optional: Pinch of vanilla extract
- Optional: Whipped cream or frothed milk for topping
- Optional: A sprinkle of matcha powder for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Water: Heat 1/4 cup (60ml) of water to around 175°F (80°C). You don’t want boiling water, as it can make the matcha taste bitter. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for a minute or two before using it.
- Sift the Matcha: This is an optional but highly recommended step. Sifting the matcha powder through a fine-mesh sieve helps break up any clumps and ensures a smoother final product. Place the matcha powder in the sieve and gently tap the side to sift it into a small bowl or mug.
- Whisk the Matcha: Pour the hot water over the sifted matcha powder. Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) is ideal for this step, as it’s designed to create a frothy, smooth mixture. However, a small regular whisk or even a fork can work in a pinch. Whisk vigorously in a “W” or “M” motion until the matcha powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is frothy and vibrant green. There should be no visible clumps. If using a regular whisk or fork, be extra diligent to break up any clumps.
- Add Sweetener (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter latte, add your sweetener of choice to the matcha concentrate and whisk until dissolved. This ensures the sweetener is evenly distributed throughout the drink. I usually add honey at this stage because it dissolves easily in the warm liquid.
- Heat the Milk: There are several ways to heat your milk:
- Stovetop: Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s steaming and hot but not boiling. Be careful not to scald the milk.
- Microwave: Pour the milk into a microwave-safe mug or container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot but not boiling. Watch it carefully to prevent it from overflowing.
- Milk Frother: If you have a milk frother, use it to heat and froth the milk simultaneously. This is the easiest way to achieve a barista-quality latte with a thick, creamy foam.
- Froth the Milk (Optional): If you want a frothy latte, you can froth the milk after heating it. Here are a few methods:
- Milk Frother: Use the frothing function on your milk frother.
- Handheld Frother: Immerse a handheld frother into the heated milk and froth until it’s light and foamy.
- French Press: Pour the heated milk into a French press and pump the plunger up and down vigorously until the milk is frothed.
- Jar Method: Pour the heated milk into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake the jar vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the milk is foamy. Remove the lid carefully and microwave for 30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
- Pour the Milk: Pour the heated milk into a mug. Leave some space at the top for the matcha concentrate and any toppings.
- Add the Matcha Concentrate: Gently pour the matcha concentrate into the mug with the milk.
- Stir Gently: Use a spoon to gently stir the milk and matcha concentrate until they are well combined. Avoid over-stirring, as this can deflate the foam.
- Top with Foam (Optional): If you frothed your milk, spoon the foam over the top of the latte.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle a pinch of matcha powder over the foam for a beautiful and flavorful garnish. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy Immediately: Your homemade matcha latte is ready to enjoy! Sip slowly and savor the creamy, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sweetener you use is entirely up to you. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia.
- Experiment with Milk: Try different types of milk to find your favorite. Dairy milk will create a richer, creamier latte, while plant-based milks offer different flavor profiles. Almond milk is a popular choice for its nutty flavor, while oat milk is known for its creamy texture. Soy milk is a good source of protein, and coconut milk adds a tropical twist.
- Add Spices: Enhance the flavor of your matcha latte with spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. A pinch of cardamom can also add a warm and aromatic note.
- Make it Iced: For a refreshing iced matcha latte, simply pour the matcha concentrate over ice and top with cold milk. You can also blend the ingredients together for a frozen matcha latte.
- Add Vanilla: A drop or two of vanilla extract can enhance the sweetness and aroma of your matcha latte.
- Use a Bamboo Whisk (Chasen): While not essential, using a bamboo whisk (chasen) will significantly improve the texture of your matcha concentrate. It helps to create a smoother, frothier mixture with no clumps.
- Quality of Matcha: The quality of your matcha powder will greatly affect the taste of your latte. Culinary grade matcha is suitable for lattes and baking, while ceremonial grade matcha is best enjoyed on its own. Look for matcha powder that is vibrant green in color and has a slightly sweet, grassy aroma.
- Temperature of Water: Using water that is too hot can make the matcha taste bitter. Aim for water that is around 175°F (80°C).
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: Overheating the milk can scald it and affect its flavor. Heat the milk until it’s steaming and hot but not boiling.
- Clean Your Whisk Immediately: If you are using a bamboo whisk, rinse it immediately after use with cold water and allow it to air dry. This will help to prevent it from cracking or splitting.
Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/matcha-latte-mix/