How to Make a Matcha Latte: Warm or Cold

A matcha latte starts with a smooth matcha base: matcha whisked with a small amount of warm water. From there, add warm milk for a cozy latte, or pour the matcha over cold milk and ice for a refreshing version.

Tools You’ll Need

• Matcha bowl (chawan) — a wide bowl that gives you room to whisk
• Bamboo whisk (chasen) — used to create smooth, frothy matcha
• Teaspoon or bamboo matcha scoop (chashaku)
• Fine mesh sifter — helps prevent clumps
• Kettle or hot water source
• Small measuring cup — optional, for measuring water
• For a cold matcha latte: glass with ice
• For a warm matcha latte: milk steamer, frother, or small saucepan

Ingredients

• 2 grams of matcha, roughly 1 teaspoon or two full bamboo matcha scoops
• 2 oz / 60 ml hot water at about 175°F / 80°C
  • No thermometer? Let freshly boiled water sit for about 5 minutes before using.
• 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml milk of choice
• Sweetener, optional
• For a cold matcha latte: ice

Step 1: Warm the Bowl

Pour hot water into your bowl and let it sit for 30 seconds.

At the same time, place your bamboo whisk in the warm water to soften the tines.

Discard the water and dry the bowl.

Step 2: Add Matcha Powder

Place the tea sifter on top of the bowl.

Add 2 grams of matcha, about 1 teaspoon, to the sifter. Use your teaspoon or scoop to gently press the matcha through the sifter and into the bowl.

Step 3: Add Hot Water

Pour in 2 oz / 60 ml of hot water at approximately 175°F / 80°C.

The main point is to avoid boiling water, which can make the matcha taste bitter.

Step 4: Whisk

Start by stirring gently in a circle to dissolve the matcha.

Then whisk quickly in a zigzag “W” motion until a fine layer of foam forms on top, roughly 15–30 seconds, depending on your whisking style.

Step 5: Choose Warm or Cold Milk

At this point, you have a smooth matcha base. From here, you can make the matcha latte warm or cold.

For a Warm Matcha Latte

Warm and froth 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml of milk.

Optional: add sweetener to the milk before combining.

Slowly pour the warm milk into the matcha base.

Stir gently and enjoy warm.

For a Cold Matcha Latte

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml of cold milk.

Optional: add sweetener to the milk and stir before adding the matcha.

Pour the whisked matcha base over the cold milk and ice.

A Note from After Tea

For the smoothest matcha latte, always whisk the matcha with water first before adding milk. This helps prevent clumps and creates a cleaner, more balanced texture.