Smooth Matcha Green Tea

Category: Drinks

This drink brings out the fresh, grassy notes of matcha powder mixed with hot water for a nice, smooth base. You froth warm milk to get a rich, creamy feel. Vanilla syrup adds a sweet touch that balances the earthiness. You can have it warm or poured over ice for a chilly twist. Using culinary-grade matcha gives the best flavor, and swapping dairy milk for plant-based ones keeps it creamy too.

Making this is easy: start by whisking matcha into hot water until it's lump-free and smooth, froth your milk, mix it with vanilla syrup, then pour and enjoy. It's a green tea drink with smooth taste and a little sweetness that’s hard to beat.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:59:55 GMT
Green tea latte in a cup with matcha leaves inside Save
Green tea latte in a cup with matcha leaves inside | chefsnaps.com

This easy homemade Starbucks matcha latte brings out the fresh, earthy vibes of matcha with a creamy feel that soothes both your body and mood. The smooth mix of green tea, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla creates a nice treat you can enjoy hot or cold any time.

I started making this latte for a quick calm yet energizing drink. It soon turned into my favorite afternoon pick-me-up when I need a cozy boost.

Must-Have Ingredients

  • Milk: whole milk froths great, but almond or soy works well if you want dairy-free
  • Optional Ice Cubes: use these if you want to chill your drink
  • Hot Water: just enough to stir matcha into a smooth paste without lumps
  • Matcha Powder: choose culinary-grade for bright color and real flavor
  • Vanilla Syrup: adds light sweetness and nice aroma; adjust how much you like

Step-By-Step How To Make It

Prep The Matcha:
Stir the matcha with hot water hard until the paste is smooth and lump-free. This wakes up the flavor and keeps the tea silky.
Froth The Milk:
Warm up the milk carefully on the stove or with a steamer until hot but not boiling to keep its sweetness. Froth it until light and foamy for a creamy feel.
Mix The Flavors:
Put vanilla syrup into a mug, then pour in the matcha mix. This helps spread the taste evenly.
Add The Milk:
Carefully pour the frothed milk over the vanilla-matcha mix. Stir gently so the layers come together with a fluffy milk topping.
Serve Warm Or Cold:
Drink right away warm, or toss in ice cubes for a refreshing cold drink that’s great when it’s hot outside.
A cup of green tea latte with green tea leaves in it.
A cup of green tea latte with green tea leaves in it. | chefsnaps.com

I’m a fan of vanilla syrup cause it lifts the latte without drowning out matcha’s subtle flavors. The first time I made this, I accidentally added extra vanilla and it turned into something super cozy and special.

How To Keep It Fresh

Keep matcha in a container that seals tight and store it somewhere dark and dry so it stays bright green and tasty. Vanilla syrup lasts for weeks in the fridge, so you can whip up your latte quick. As for leftover frothed milk, it’s best fresh but you can warm it again gently if you use it soon.

Ingredient Swaps

Try coconut milk for a sweet and rich tropical twist. If you want natural sweeteners, honey or agave syrup works great instead of vanilla syrup. For a spiced touch, mix vanilla syrup with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.

Great Things To Have Alongside

A cup of green tea latte with a green tea leaf in it.
A cup of green tea latte with a green tea leaf in it. | chefsnaps.com

Have fun making this lively and comforting matcha latte at home. It’s a nice way to upgrade your daily tea moment with balanced flavors and smooth texture anytime.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which matcha suits this drink best?

Culinary-grade matcha is ideal because it has a strong flavor and bright green color that blends great with milk.

→ Can I switch the milk to something else?

Definitely. Almond, soy, or oat milk all work well and still keep it creamy for different diets.

→ How do I stop matcha lumps from forming?

Whisk matcha powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk or small whisk until it’s fully smooth with no clumps.

→ Is it better hot or iced?

Both are great. Have it hot if you want something cozy, or add ice for a cool, fresh drink.

→ How do I change how sweet it tastes?

Adjust the vanilla syrup amount to make it more or less sweet, just how you like it.

Matcha Green Tea

Enjoy earthy matcha with steamed milk and vanilla for a mellow and creamy green tea treat.

Preparation Duration
5 minutes
Time to Cook
5 minutes
Overall Time
10 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Drinks

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Serving Amount: 1 Number of Servings (1 serving)

Dietary Options: Great for Vegetarians, Free From Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Powders

01 2 teaspoons top-quality matcha powder

→ Liquids

02 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
03 240 ml whole milk
04 2 tablespoons hot water

→ Extras

05 Ice cubes if you want it cold

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Whip hot water into matcha powder until smooth with no lumps left.

Step 02

Warm up the milk until it’s steaming then froth it till it’s nice and airy.

Step 03

Pour the matcha mix and vanilla syrup into a cup.

Step 04

Stir while slowly pouring your frothy milk into the cup so everything blends well.

Step 05

Drink it warm or toss some ice cubes in for a cool twist.

Helpful Tips

  1. Top-quality matcha really makes the flavor pop.
  2. Change the vanilla syrup amount until sweetness fits your mood.
  3. Swap milk for almond or soy if you can’t have dairy.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Milk frother or steaming wand
  • Whisk
  • Serving mug
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy unless you pick a plant-based milk.

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 8 grams