In short: For a matcha latte, whisk half a teaspoon of matcha with 50 ml of hot but not boiling water (70–80 °C) until foamy, then pour in 200 ml of warm, frothed milk. Matcha turns bitter mainly from water that's too hot and too much powder. A pinch of vanilla makes it rounder – without any sugar.
What is matcha?
Matcha is finely ground green tea. Unlike a tea bag, you drink the whole leaf, which is why the taste is intense and grassy. Matcha naturally contains caffeine – roughly like a small cup of tea or coffee, depending on the amount.
Many ready-made matcha latte powders are largely sugar and milk powder. Our Shakti is organic matcha with tulsi, liquorice and real bourbon vanilla – with no added sugar. Liquorice and vanilla soften the matcha's edge.
Basic recipe: matcha latte for 1 cup
Ingredients
- ½ tsp Shakti or pure matcha
- 50 ml water at 70–80 °C (boiled and cooled for 3 minutes)
- 200 ml milk or plant drink
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, if you like
How to
- Sift the powder into a bowl to avoid lumps.
- Add the water and whisk in zigzag movements with a bamboo whisk or milk frother for 20 seconds until foamy.
- Warm the milk (don't boil) and froth it.
- Pour the matcha into a cup and add the milk.
Variation 1: iced matcha latte
Whisk ½ tsp matcha with 50 ml warm water. Fill a glass with ice cubes and 200 ml cold milk and slowly pour the matcha over the top – that creates the typical green layers. Stir at the table.
Variation 2: matcha with vanilla and oat
Oat drink froths especially well and brings its own sweetness. Together with the bourbon vanilla in Shakti, the latte tastes almost like a dessert. For extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon.
Variation 3: matcha energy balls
Matcha also works in snacks. Our recipe: refreshing lemon matcha energy balls.
Why is my matcha bitter?
- Water too hot: boiling water makes matcha bitter. 70–80 °C is ideal.
- Too much powder: half a teaspoon is enough for a latte.
- Not whisked: matcha that's only stirred stays lumpy and tastes harsh.
- Old matcha: once opened, store it cool, dry and dark and use it up quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?
Matcha naturally contains caffeine; the amount depends on the variety and dose. If you want something warm without caffeine in the evening, try a pink latte or a chai latte without black tea.
Do I need a bamboo whisk?
No. An electric milk frother or a small whisk work too. What matters is that the matcha is whisked vigorously for a moment.
Which milk goes with matcha?
Oat and almond drinks pair especially well with the grassy taste. Cow's milk makes it creamier, soy drink froths stably.
Can I sweeten a matcha latte?
Yes, with a little honey or maple syrup. With Shakti you often need less, because liquorice and vanilla already bring a gentle sweetness.
Try both lattes in the superfood duo. More in superfood lattes.
