How to make a matcha latte
A good matcha latte is simple once the order is right: sift the powder, whisk it with warm water, then add milk. This guide covers the hot version, the iced version, and the small details that make the cup smoother, greener and more balanced.
To make a matcha latte, whisk matcha with warm water first — not milk.
The smoothest method is to sift 1 teaspoon of matcha, whisk it with 60 to 80 ml warm water, then add about 200 ml milk. For a hot matcha latte, use steamed or warmed milk. For an iced matcha latte, pour the whisked matcha over cold milk and ice.
Ingredients and tools that actually matter.
You do not need a ceremonial setup to make a good matcha latte, but a few basics make the result much better.
What you need
What helps most
The five-step method for a smooth cup.
The sequence matters. Start by dissolving the matcha with water first, then bring in the milk.
Sift the matcha
Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha into a bowl or mug. This helps reduce clumps before whisking.
Add warm water
Pour in 60–80 ml warm water. Very hot or boiling water can make the drink taste harsher.
Whisk until smooth
Whisk in a quick zigzag motion until the powder is dispersed and a light foam appears.
Warm and froth the milk
Heat your milk gently and froth it if you want a café-style texture. Oat milk is a common choice for creaminess.
Combine and serve
Pour the whisked matcha into your serving cup, add the milk, sweeten if desired and serve immediately.
Cold version, same logic.
- Sift 1 teaspoon matcha into a bowl or glass-safe cup.
- Whisk with around 60 ml warm water until smooth.
- Add sweetener now if you want it to dissolve easily.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in about 200 ml cold milk.
- Top with the whisked matcha and stir, or leave it layered before drinking.
The iced version is often the easiest one to love.
If you prefer something more refreshing, the iced matcha latte is straightforward and forgiving. You still whisk the matcha with a little warm water first because that helps it mix more evenly than trying to stir dry powder directly into cold milk.
You can keep it simple or turn it into a layered café-style drink. The method stays the same.
For the cleanest green-and-white layered look, pour the whisked matcha slowly over the back of a spoon onto the cold milk and ice.
Once you know the base method, you can make it your own.
Hot or iced, sweetened or plain, dairy or oat — a good matcha latte is flexible. The key is keeping the powder smooth before the milk goes in.
Why some homemade matcha lattes go wrong.
Most problems come down to temperature, texture or proportion.
Using boiling water
Water that is too hot can push the flavour toward bitterness and make the drink less balanced.
Skipping the sift
Lumps are harder to break once milk is added. Sifting first usually makes the texture better.
Too much matcha
More powder is not always better. It can make the drink more bitter or chalky if the balance is off.
Whisking directly into cold milk
The powder usually mixes more smoothly when first whisked into a small amount of warm water.
What milk is best for a matcha latte?
There is no single correct answer. Dairy milk gives a classic creamy result. Oat milk is popular for body and sweetness. Almond milk creates a lighter drink. The best milk is the one that tastes good to you and fits how rich or light you want the latte to feel.
If you are making an iced matcha latte, a milk with a little body often helps the drink feel more rounded. For a hot matcha latte, any milk that froths well can work nicely.
Can you make it sweet without overcomplicating it?
Yes. A small amount of honey, maple syrup or another sweetener is enough for many people. You do not need to turn the drink into dessert unless that is exactly what you want.
If you are curious about the tea itself, read our guide to what matcha is made of, or compare it with coffee in our matcha vs coffee article.
How MRJADE serves matcha in Downtown Dubai.
At MRJADE Coffee, matcha is not an afterthought on the menu. We serve it hot and iced and treat it as a proper drink category alongside espresso. If you want a café-made version after trying it at home, explore our matcha latte menu or our iced matcha latte.
You can find MRJADE Coffee at Burj Crown on Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, close to Dubai Opera, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
The questions people usually ask while making it.
How do you make a matcha latte without lumps?
Sift the powder first, then whisk it with warm water before adding milk. That order usually gives a smoother result.
Can I make a matcha latte without a bamboo whisk?
Yes. A milk frother or kitchen whisk can work well. A bamboo whisk is traditional, but it is not essential.
What milk is best in a matcha latte?
Oat milk is a popular choice for creaminess, but dairy, almond and other options can all work depending on your taste.
Can I make an iced matcha latte?
Yes. Whisk the matcha with a small amount of warm water first, then pour it over cold milk and ice.
Why does my matcha latte taste bitter?
Water that is too hot, too much powder or a lower-quality matcha can all increase bitterness.
Is a matcha latte the same as matcha tea?
No. Matcha tea is prepared with water only. A matcha latte includes milk or a milk alternative.
References & further reading
- For matcha composition and overview: Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review.
- For more on matcha quality and composition: A review on matcha: Chemical composition, health benefits, with insights on its quality control.
Master the home version. Then come taste ours.
Matcha, iced matcha, specialty coffee and fast takeaway at Burj Crown on Emaar Boulevard.
