Matcha Latte & Recipes: Delicious Ways to Enjoy Matcha

Author: Xu Jiahua, Chinese Certified Senior Tea Appraiser

A matcha latte combines whisked matcha with steamed or cold milk to create a creamy tea drink. Beyond the classic hot latte, matcha works well in iced drinks, flavored lattes, smoothies, desserts, and baked goods. The best matcha depends on how you plan to use it. A smoother matcha intended for drinking can work especially well in a simple latte, while culinary matcha is often more practical for baking and recipes with several ingredients. This guide covers classic hot and iced matcha lattes, popular flavor combinations, and easy ways to use matcha in the kitchen. 

What Is a Matcha Latte?

A matcha latte is basically whisked matcha combined with steamed or cold milk. Unlike traditional matcha which is typically made with just water, a matcha latte uses milk to create a smooth and creamy texture. A classic matcha latte is made up of matcha, water and milk, and a bit of sweetness if you like. The key to a great matcha latte is using high quality matcha that brings out the unique tea flavour without getting overwhelmed by the milk.

If you are new to preparing matcha, start with our guide on how to make matcha for the basic whisking and preparation method.

Classic Hot Matcha Latte

A classic matcha latte is a staple for a reason - it's a smooth, balanced everyday drink that's made with prepared matcha and warm milk. The standard ratio is about 2g of matcha to 200ml of milk, but feel free to adjust the ratio to get the tea flavour just right for you. One tip is to keep the milk to matcha ratio simple so that you can actually taste the matcha without the milk overpowering it.

Classic Matcha Latte Recipe

Ingredients

• 2g of good quality matcha powder
• 30-50ml of warm water (just enough to get the matcha whisking)
• 200ml of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• A bit of maple syrup or sugar if you like it sweet

Method

1. Get your matcha whisking with 30-50ml of warm water.
2. Heat up and froth 200ml of milk - don't boil it, you want it nice and warm.
3. Pour the warm milk into the matcha.
4. Add a bit of sweetness if you like it.
5. Stir gently and enjoy!

Iced & Flavored Matcha Latte Variations

An iced matcha latte is easy to customize with fruit, vanilla, or plant-based milk. Cold milk creates a lighter texture than a hot latte, while flavored versions can soften matcha’s naturally vegetal taste. Strawberry matcha is especially popular because the sweet-tart fruit pairs well with the earthy green tea flavor. Start with freshly whisked matcha, then adjust the milk and sweetness to your preference. Here are a few simple variations to try.

Iced Matcha Latte

• Whisk 2g matcha with 30-50ml water.
• Fill a glass with ice and cold milk (about 150-200ml).
• Pour the matcha over the milk.
• Add a bit of sweetness if you like.

Strawberry Matcha

• Add some fresh strawberry puree to the bottom of a glass.
• Add ice and milk (about 100-150ml).
• Whisk 2g matcha with 30-50ml water and pour it over the top.
• Add sweetness if you need it.

Vanilla Matcha Latte

• Make a classic hot or iced matcha latte.
• Add a small amount of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup.
• Try pairing it with oat milk for a naturally creamy and slightly sweet flavour.

Coconut Matcha Latte

• Swap out regular milk for coconut milk or coconut beverage.
• Serve over ice for a refreshing tropical variation.
• Add a bit of sweetness if you prefer it extra sweet.

Baking & Cooking with Matcha

Matcha isn't just limited to drinks, it works amazingly well in sweet and savory recipes too. Culinary matcha is the better choice for most matcha recipes and baking because it has a stronger tea flavour that can hold its own with other ingredients.

• Matcha baking: Use culinary matcha in cookies, cakes, brownies, muffins, cheesecake, shortbread, and mochi. The sweetness of the sugar, flour, butter and chocolate can soften the matcha flavour, so a more pronounced matcha works well.
• No-bake desserts: Add matcha to pudding, yogurt, smoothie bowls, chia pudding, whipped cream, and ice cream for an easy green tea flavour.
• Savory cooking: Small amounts of matcha can be used in dressings, sauces, marinades, or seasoning blends. Start with a small quantity because its vegetal and slightly bitter character can become strong quickly.

Culinary matcha is generally the most versatile and cost-effective option when the powder is mixed with other ingredients rather than enjoyed on its own. If you are unsure how drinking-grade and recipe matcha differ, see our Ceremonial Grade vs Culinary Matcha guide before choosing a powder for your recipe. 

For broader food composition information when planning recipes, USDA FoodData Central provides a useful reference for matcha nutrition.

Which Matcha for Lattes & Recipes?

The best matcha for lattes and recipes depends on how strongly the tea needs to stand out against other ingredients. For everyday hot or iced lattes, strawberry matcha, and lightly flavored milk drinks, DOFO Classic Daily Matcha is a practical choice because its tea character remains clear without overpowering the drink.

For cookies, cakes, brownies, ice cream, and other recipes that combine matcha with flour, sugar, chocolate, or stronger flavors, DOFO Culinary Grade Matcha is better suited to the job.

In my own recipe testing, I have found that a more expensive matcha does not always make a better latte or dessert. When I make a simple matcha latte, I prefer a smooth matcha that still lets the tea flavor come through the milk. For baking or desserts, I usually choose culinary matcha because its stronger flavor holds up better against sugar, flour, chocolate, and other ingredients.

A simple rule is to choose Classic Daily when matcha remains an important part of the drink, and Culinary Grade when matcha functions primarily as a recipe ingredient.

FAQ

What can you make with matcha?

Matcha can be used for hot or iced lattes, flavored drinks, smoothies, baking, and desserts. Classic Daily Matcha works well for everyday drinks, while Culinary Grade Matcha is more practical for baking and recipes.

How do you make an iced matcha latte?

Whisk about 2g of matcha with 30–50ml of water. Fill a glass with ice, add 150–200ml of cold milk, then slowly pour the matcha on top for a layered look. Add vanilla, strawberry, maple syrup, or another sweetener if desired.

Which matcha grade is best for lattes?

Classic Daily Matcha is probably your best bet for everyday lattes as it strikes a good balance between flavour, ease of use and cost. You could use a premium matcha, but its a bit subtle so can get lost amongst the milk and sweeteners.