Hot matcha latte: recipe and cappuccino | La Via del Tè

How to make a matcha latte at home, with quantities for one serving and a matcha cappuccino variation.

A hot matcha latte combines the flavour of powdered Japanese green tea with the creaminess of milk. To make it at home, whisk the matcha with hot water, then add warmed milk. If you prefer a soft, foamy topping, froth the milk to make a matcha cappuccino variation.

Ingredients for one serving

2 g Organic Matcha Izumi or Organic Matcha Tsuki
60 ml water at around 80 °C
140 ml milk
Sugar to taste, optional

Total time: around 5 minutes, including preparation and heating the milk.

Equipment needed

You will need a bowl, a fine-mesh sieve, a scale suitable for small quantities, a measuring jug, a small saucepan, a teaspoon and a large cup.

To mix the matcha, use a chasen, the traditional bamboo whisk, or a small whisk. For the cappuccino variation, you will also need a milk frother.

How to make a hot matcha latte

Sift the matcha. Weigh 2 g of powder and sift it into the bowl to break up any small lumps.
Add the water. Start with 10 ml of water at around 80 °C and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 50 ml and continue mixing with the chasen or a small whisk.
Heat the milk. Pour 140 ml of milk into the saucepan and gently heat it to around 60–70 °C, without bringing it to the boil.
Sweeten if desired. Add a little sugar while the matcha is still warm and stir to dissolve.
Combine and serve. Pour the matcha into the cup, add the warm milk and stir. Taste and serve immediately.

Variation: matcha cappuccino

Use the same ingredients and quantities. After heating the milk, froth it with a milk frother until you have a fine foam.

Pour the frothed milk over the prepared matcha in the cup, then spoon the remaining foam on top. This extra step gives the drink a softer texture.

Tips for avoiding lumps

Sift the powder and prepare the matcha with water before adding the milk. When using a chasen, make quick zigzag movements and check that no clumps of powder remain at the bottom of the bowl.

Which milk should you use?

You can choose dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, such as soy or oat. Keep the quantity at 140 ml and bear in mind that the flavour and texture will vary depending on the product.

For a matcha cappuccino, choose a drink suitable for frothing and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If it is already sweetened, taste before adding sugar.